Housing First: the Austrian model as an international reference

The Austrian model (with its centre in Vienna) is the world’s leading example for social housing, achieving an employment rate of 60% of the population in public or subsidised housing. Its success is based on low and stable rents, as housing is not considered a simple commercial activity, but a public service financed on an ongoing basis. The keys to its success lie in its broad scope and absence of bias: it is not limited to people without resources; Income thresholds are high, allowing access to the working class and middle class as well, thus preventing the creation of ghettos or marginalized areas. Constant investment and funding ensure stable public funds through a small percentage of employers’ salaries and contributions, as well as continuous reinvestment in new buildings. In addition, the protection of public land – thanks to the administration’s commitment to preventing the sale of municipal land and promoting continuous construction through cooperatives and non-profit organizations – allows for effective regulation: rents are limited by law and do not increase even if the tenant’s economic situation improves once he or she joins the system. If you are interested in learning more about the topic, we will analyze in detail how the system is funded, what the current entry requirements are, and the challenges and criticisms it faces today.