Private and social rented housing in Europe: Distinctions,comparisons and resource allocation 1

The difficulties of clearly distinguishing private and social rented housing in a western European context are set out. The issues are illustrated by information for Germany and France. It is argued that comparative housing tenure data can be misleading and that distinctions in terms of ownership are of less significance for resource allocation than the specifics of the relationship between the state and the housing market. The significant production, distribution, pricing, subsidy and profit issues as they relate to rented housing are identified. The policy implications of an approach which is resource allocation rather than tenure orientated is outlined.