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Overcrowding and ‘Underoccupancy’ in Romania: A Case Study of Housing Inequality

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  • Adriana Mihaela Soaita

    (Centre for Housing Research, The Observatory, Buchanan Gardens, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 9LZ, Scotland)

Abstract

This paper examines aspects of space consumption in two very different housing types: The communist mid-rise estates and postcommunist suburban self-built housing. Examining residents' perceptions in order to categorise space as overcrowded or underoccupied, the paper engages critically with the issue of the inefficient distribution of Romanian housing: that is, a considerable mismatch between dwelling and household size. The analysis documents the continued salience of overcrowding in the communist estates and, conversely, self-builders' satisfaction with the generous size of their new homes. Market forces permit various modes of residential mobility, but their likely outcome is growing housing inequality while any redistributive impact will remain insignificant unless policy incentives could facilitate conversion of underoccupied space into (social) renting housing. However, only a sustained delivery of larger and affordable new dwellings could alleviate overcrowding.

Suggested Citation

  • Adriana Mihaela Soaita, 2014. "Overcrowding and ‘Underoccupancy’ in Romania: A Case Study of Housing Inequality," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 46(1), pages 203-221, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:46:y:2014:i:1:p:203-221
    DOI: 10.1068/a45718
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Donna Easterlow & Susan J Smith, 2004. "Housing for Health: Can the Market Care?," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 36(6), pages 999-1017, June.
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