Summary

In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context addresses the global crisis of housing affordability, a concept that has long been recognized as a core element of the right to adequate housing under international law. With the present report, the Special Rapporteur aims to launch a clarion call to counteract and prevent the adverse repercussions of escalating housing unaffordability trends, exacerbated in recent years by intersecting economic, ecological, social and political crises. Elaborating on the meaning of housing affordability by tracing it to sources in international human rights law, the Special Rapporteur distinguishes between State obligations to respect, protect and fulfil housing affordability.

The Special Rapporteur emphasizes that measuring housing affordability is pivotal for monitoring progress and devising responses to ensure accessible housing for all, and elaborates on options for indicators, highlighting the importance of involving communities, decision makers and professionals in indicator selection. Stressing the ripple effect of housing affordability for the enjoyment of other human rights, in particular for vulnerable groups, the Special Rapporteur discusses various policy responses to housing affordability, highlighting that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and that States need to determine what options are most suited to their unique circumstances. The Special Rapporteur concludes with recommendations grouped into three categories: strategies for averting affordability crises, strategies for safeguarding against human rights violations stemming from housing unaffordability, and strategies for addressing the repercussions of housing unaffordability.