OECD Housing Gateway

Housing and the economy

Rising house prices make it more difficult for people to get on the property ladder, affecting the ability of lower and middle-income families to accumulate wealth and to pass it on to future generations.

Changes in house prices, rents and mortgage interest rates can affect households' income and wealth, as well as how much money they spend and on what. Housing costs and policies can also shape where people chose to live, work and study, as well as their ability to move or change jobs.

The OECD works with governments to provide policy insights on housing solutions that are beneficial to families and the economy alike.

Housing amid COVID-19

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has already left its mark on housing.

OECD work shows that economically vulnerable families are being hit harder, that housing inequalities have moved to the forefront, policy trade-offs have become more visible, and that there is a risk of the myopic overhaul of policy frameworks. However we also see an opportunity to overcome obstacles to housing issues and the ability to trigger long-awaited changes.

» Read our policy reponse on housing amid COVID-19

Data and data visualisation

- For most families their home is the most important and most widely-owned asset. 

- Residential mobility is highest in Australia and in the United States, where more than 40% of individuals move over a five-year-period.

- Use our interactive tool to find out more about house price indices.

- Contact us

For further information, please contact: OECDHousing@oecd.org

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