Published: 06/05/2024 02:00
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In Aftenposten on April 26, Eiendom Norge spreads myths.
As many of us here in Norway as possible should be able to own our own home. With a given number of homes, this means that an increase in the proportion of freehold owners leads to a reduction in the proportion of landlords. If rental properties are sold, they become owner-occupied properties for those who buy them.
It is true that this leads to fewer homes being available for those who need to rent. At the same time, the group of tenants is getting smaller because a part of them get the opportunity to become freehold owners thanks to the government’s policy.
We give the municipalities the opportunity to decide what kind of housing will be built on a plot of land. We have areas where homes are converted into “housing machines” with several in a few square meters and a high turnover of tenants. This can lead to a poorer living environment.
The aim of the housing policy is not to maximize the profitability of housing investments, but to ensure good housing and the living environment. We are now giving municipalities that want it a new tool to contribute to it.
In Norway, we have neither empty homes nor large groups of homeless people. It is a success. We want to strengthen the freehold line and curb house price growth. We have to put up with the fact that it is not the same as Eiendom Norge wants.
Siri Gåsemyr Staalesen
Housing policy spokesperson, Labor Party
