The Principles of Housing

Principles of Housing is an engaging and discursive introduction to the key topics within housing studies. Whereas many books get bogged down in country specific policy or small innovations, this book argues that the fundamental concepts of what we call housing are relatively stable and unchangeable. By focusing on universal principles, the book provides an introduction to housing that can be used by students worldwide.

The book consists of a series of short chapters relating to the key issues of housing, such as borrowing, choice, finance, government, subsidies, need, reform and welfare. Each chapter is designed to be a starting point for a wider conversation, with discussion questions and a number of think pieces and international case studies to help students connect these general principles to their own surroundings.

Written by renowned housing expert Peter King, Principles of Housing succeeds in being accessible and engaging without shying away from the complexities of housing issues. The book will be invaluable to students on housing related courses across finance, real estate, planning, development, politics and sociology subjects. The book would also be useful to housing professionals and policy makers aiming to expand their understanding of housing issues.

Peter King has 25 years’ experience of teaching housing issues and is the author of 18 books. He is currently a Reader in Social Thought at De Montfort University, UK