From state support to market and financialization measures in crisis times: A comparative literature review of the Swedish and German housing systems

Abstract

This paper present the findings of an extensive literature review on the housing systems in Germany and Sweden. The literature review majorly focuses on the rental housing sector but also touches upon other segments of the housing market, especially the cooperative housing sector. The report thus provides a general overview and situates the rental sector in the wider context of the overall housing market in the two countries. The paper adds valuable knowledge about the large differences in the post-war responses to the housing shortage in Germany and Sweden. While Sweden responded with a universal off-market approach to housing, (West) Germany implemented a dualist housing system within a social market economy. Despite differences in past solutions, the contemporary problems seem to be similar. The report concludes that, in the search of a response to the current housing crisis, Germany sees a re-emergence of the state, while Sweden’s next moves are uncertain.