engleski

Regional differences in housing availability and affordability in the Czech Republic and in Croatia

This paper presents results of comparative research of current housing issues in two transitional counties, in the Czech Republic and in Croatia. In the first part of the paper authors outline briefly housing policy programmes and housing policy framework as a background for analysis and comparisons. Relationships, division of power between central and local housing policy authorities and the extent of local policy measures are part of analysis. The analytical part of the paper aims to answer the questions whether there is any significant difference in physical housing conditions and in access to housing (i.e. in housing availability) between Prague and the rest of the Czech Republic, and similarly, between Zagreb and the rest of Croatia. The differences in housing affordability in these capital cities and in the regions of both countries were also examined. For the purpose of analysis of housing availability, housing affordability and regional differences we used ‘ standard’ indicators, such as the number of existing dwellings per 1.000 inhabitants (in Prague and in the Czech Republic ; in Zagreb and in Croatia) ; average dwelling floor space per inhabitant ; average number of rooms per inhabitant ; the comparison of size of the households ; the structure of existing housing stock according to the number of rooms ; price-to-income ratio, price-to-earnings ratio and others. The results for both countries were compared and discussed. Preliminary findings show that housing availability in other regions of countries is similar to capital cities. Affordability is more important issue in capitals then in regions. In case of Croatia in some costal areas affordability is emerging issue. In case of the Czech Republic the affordability of housing in Prague is significantly lower than in other regions despite the higher income level of households living in the capital.

housing; availability; affordability; regional differences; Czech Republic; Croatia

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