Affordable Housing and The Norwegian State Housing Bank

Affordable Housing and The Norwegian State Housing Bank Introduction for Irish Delegation to KRD 28. 05. 2008 by Anne Ruden 05. 06. 2021 1

The State Housing Bank – an Anomaly? We operate in one of the most deregulated and liberalized housing and credit markets in the western world The market needs corrections to ensure that policy goals are met for those in need The HB is a supplement to the market 2

The NSHB – ”HUSBANKEN” – The state implementing agency for housing policy Strong political comittment to policy goals that all shall have access to good and secure housing Extent of Poverty is our greatest challenge We have the carrots! 3

Our past: – ”affordability taken care of by a generous supply of low cost, moderate standard housing” 4

Good housing standards 16% lived ”over-crowded” in 1980, share reduced to 7% in 2004 Sq. m. pr. person increased from 36 in 1980 to 54 in 2003 Share of people in cold and damp housing fallen from 9% in 1980 to 6% iin 2004 Grown ups living without bath reduced from 10% in 1980 to 0% in 2004 49% accessible for wheelchair-users in 2004!(? ) 5

The Census of 2001 78 % own their dwelling 37 % belong to a 1 -person household 1 of 5 dwellings are rentals 1 out of 3 live in rentals in Oslo 6

Most housing rentals in cities 7

From ”a Bank” to a ”Welfare Institution” More concerned with distribution and quality than quantity A shift from capital investments to strengthen the consumers purchasing powers Seek to work actively with, to learn from and empower our main partners – especially the municipalities Influence builders; professionals; educators to achieve more sustainable and inclusive building solutions Research and capacity building 8

Who are the poor? 9

High housing expenditures Share has fallen since 1990’s but still high Singles below 45 yrs, single parents and young couples without children the highest incidence Relativeley many among singles above 45 yrs. and families with children Very few among older couples or couples with grown up-children 10

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The housing bank measures Traditionally to enable entry to the market Help those in need to stay in a good house Modestly priced prime loans – no direct subsidies Top up with start-up loans Grants to establish special housing solutions Consumer support to purchase/ pay housing costs Grants to research, capacity building and information 12

Housing subsidies channeled through the HB 1983 -2004 interest subs housing allowance start-up grants housing grants 13

Housing Bank Loans 14

Start-up loans Help those who have economic difficulties to enter the housing market/ or remain Given as top-up or fullfinancing Can be used to buy new, refinance or rehabilitate a dwelling Managed by the municipalities The state and municipalities share risks Co-operation with banks 15

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Housing allowances • More than 100 000 households receive support • Administered by the HB and the municipalities • Part of ”packages” 19

We need to know more and improve our outreach Capacity building and research Half of the funds to be used within social housing area – Increased focus on social rental housing Half for improved quality and inclusion 20

Challenges The policy is clear; unacceptable to have many that struggle to access and keep a good house The market-foundation of the housing policy creates dynamic challenges to housing policy A need for a flexible and efficient public agency – partnerships and co-operation needed 21

Thank you! www. husbanken. no 05. 06. 2021 22