Housing

"Living space" redirects here. For the German concept, see Lebensraum. For the Italian concept, see Spazio vitale. For the Isaac Asimov short story, see Living Space.
For the type of container, see Housing (engineering). For the Chinese TV series, see Housing (TV series).
"Living spaces" redirects here. For the American furniture brand, see Living Spaces.

Housing is a shelter used as a dwelling or living space by individuals, families, or a collective. It provides a space for preparing food, storing belongings, caring for children and the elderly, and maintaining privacy. Housing also refers to the act of providing shelter or protective cover.

Housing was a central concern of social reform movements in the 19th century when it was understood as a fundamental human need, distinct from spaces designated for work, healthcare, and education. In 1948, housing was recognized as a human right in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, establishing housing as a necessary condition for an adequate standard of living. By the end of the 20th century, housing was increasingly understood as a space used for personal maintenance, rest, and leisure.

From the 1950s to 1970s, the supply of adequate housing expanded globally due to public subsidies and the direct construction of publicly owned housing. Since the 1980s, home mortgages have become the most common means worldwide for individuals and families to access housing, while governments have shifted toward facilitation of the private mortgage market The securitization of mortgage debt on a global scale since the early 2000s has further contributed to framing housing as investment property while the supply of adequate housing has continued to shrink.

Housing includes a wide range of sub-genres from apartments and houses to temporary shelters and emergency accommodations. Access to safe, stable, and affordable housing is essential for a person to achieve optimal health, safety, and overall well-being. Housing affects economic, social, and cultural opportunities as it is directly linked to education, employment, healthcare, and social networks. In many countries, housing policies and programs have been developed to address housing issues related to affordability, quality, and availability. These programs and policies are referred to as housing authorities, also known as a housing ministry or housing department.

Generally, there are two types of housing, market housing and non-market housing. Market housing refers to housing that is bought and sold on the open market, with prices and rent determined by supply and demand. Market housing is owned by private individuals or corporations and consists of apartments, condominiums, private housing, etc. Non-market housing refers to housing that is provided and managed by the government or non-profit organizations. The goal of non-market housing is to provide affordable housing for individuals or families considered low-income. Non-market housing is subsidized, meaning that rent is lower than the market rate, and tenants may be eligible for rent assistance programs. Non-market housing consists of public, social, and cooperative housing among others.

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