Why Governments Intervene in Housing

Abstract

This chapter examines the motivations and justifications that underlie housing policy measures or ‘interventions’. The first part of the chapter discusses the classic stated reasons for government action in this sphere: measures to promote efficiency (countering ‘market failure’), to enhance equity (addressing social justice concerns) and to ensure economic stability. The application of these ideas to housing policy in Australia from the 1980s is then interpreted to show the influence of neo-liberal policy ideas. Having discussed the explanations of government intervention that stress the correction of market failure and the need to promote economic stability, the chapter goes on to review more critical perspectives on housing policy motivations and drivers, including political party ideologies, interest group politics and lobbying and a wider ‘political economy’ critique.