United States
Bricks, Taxes and Spending
Solutions for Housing Equity across Levels of Government
This report addresses housing inequities through a series of analytical chapters and
case studies. The cross-country chapters examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
on housing demand, develop a proposal for a green land value tax, evaluate the dynamics
between fiscal autonomy and housing supply responsiveness, as well as explore the
drivers of inter-regional migration. The case studies unravel the changes of Korea's
progressive national property tax and a programme to address regional imbalances,
assess the impact of the US property tax system on housing, dive into Norway's property
taxation in relation to inequality, as well as survey Belgium's approaches to housing
policy. With a blend of empirical data and critical analysis, the report underscores
the pressing need for comprehensive strategies in addressing housing inequities. It
also offers insights for policymakers and scholars, highlighting the complex balance
between national and local housing policies.
Published on October 26, 2023
In series:OECD Fiscal Federalism Studiesview more titles
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Foreword | |
| Executive summary | |
| Reducing housing inequity: What can governments do? | |
| Changes in the geography of housing demand after the onset of COVID-19 | |
| Inequality, property taxation and local public spending on housing | |
| The Korean national property tax: History, controversies and future directions | |
| Do property taxes in the United States contribute to housing inequities? | |
| Why we need a green land value tax and how to design it | |
| Housing supply responsiveness across levels of government: Novel evidence on tax and spending autonomy | |
| The impact of housing policy on housing inequality | |
| Balancing act: How a national initiative to address regional imbalances amplified local housing inequality | |
| The laws of attraction: Economic drivers of inter-regional mobility in selected OECD countries |
Powered by OECD iLibrary
Finding good solutions for housing equity across levels of government
Aligning national and local policies is essential for effective housing equity
National policies aim to address housing inequality, but local policies and implementation
shape how they play out in practice. Coordination of national and local policies is
key for a comprehensive approach.
Subnational governments play a key role in helping to ensure housing affordability and quality
Government responsibilities like land use regulation and property taxes significantly
influence housing outcomes. Well-designed policies at the subnational level can improve
affordability and access.
Reforms in social housing provision, land use regulations and property taxation can promote affordable, equitable housing
These reform areas shape housing supply, demand and costs. Well-designed policies
can enhance affordability and access for lower-income households.