Renovation, privatisation and conversions of rental housing - what are the consequences?

The aim of this project is to systematically assess the impact conversions, privatisations and renovations of rental housing have had on segregation in Sweden.

We will study these processes in a systematic way with four ‘simple’ questions; Who, where, when and what are the consequences in terms of segregation?First (year 1), we will map out where and when conversions, privatisations and renovations have been taking place in Sweden, using Swedish register data covering the total population 1990-2022.Second (year 2), we will analyse, using regression techniques, who, in terms of characteristics of the tenants, are living in and leaving areas that are undergoing renovations, conversions and privatisations.Third (year 3), we will assess whether conversions, privatisations and renovations are followed by a social change in the neighbourhood.

We will study how the characteristics of the tenants within these areas have changed over time and what difference this change have for cities/towns in terms of segregation.The processes we study have an impact on the spatial distribution of public and private rental housing and the composition of households within these sectors in nearly all places in Sweden.

The distribution of the public housing sector is of key importance for levels of segregation in Sweden.

Thus, outcomes of this project will provide policymakers with important information on how the future challenges of the rental sector will unfold.