Seniors’ housing and mobility in small cities and rural areas in Sweden – socially sustainable housing, mobility chains and housing provision in small municipalities.

Using insights from a large-scale quantitative study and one qualitative interview study this project aims to uncover the extent to which political decisions on the national level, the regional and local organization of welfare services and individuals’ preferences affect residential mobility patterns among elderly in rural and semi-rural municipalities in Sweden.

Through the two work packages this project will answer to the need of strategies among smaller municipalities for an increased in-mobility of younger households. How does the abolishment of the real estate taxation in Sweden relate to mobility patterns among elderly?

What type of qualities do elderly articulate about life and housing outside larger cities and what social, economic and emotional needs are necessary for a good life for this group?

By answering these questions the project will point towards parts of municipal organization and activities necessary to create attractive and sustainable housing environments in multi-family housing in smaller municipalities.

Vacancies in smaller housing units stemming from the mobility of older cohorts towards multi-family housing may increase attractiveness, thus increasing in-mobility of younger groups.

In-mobility of younger households to depopulating small communities is key to increase social and economic sustainability.

The aim of the project is to find new ways for effective use of the current housing stock and towards sustainable communities beyond areas of growth.