The idea of working-class people owning their own homes has been widely promoted, but it is a complex issue with a historical context. Margaret Thatcher's "property-owning" revolution in the 1980s popularized the concept of a "property-owning democracy," which aimed to counter socialist ideas among the working class. The belief that social housing was inherently of poor quality fueled the push for home ownership as the only way for the working class to have control over their lives. However, the focus on home ownership contributed to the fragmentation of communities and the atomization of society.

But the poor quality of social housing was a political choice rather than an inevitable outcome—initially, social housing aimed to create communities where people from different social classes lived together. However, political realities led to construction of cheap and stigmatized council houses. From poorly designed buildings to tragic incidents like Ronan Point and Grenfell Tower, social housing became associated with tawdriness and danger. Consequently, many council tenants eagerly embraced the opportunity to become homeowners.

However, the shift towards home ownership and reliance on market forces did not grant greater control to most working-class people. Politicians generally agree on the need for more housing, but nimbyism often hampers efforts to build new homes. House building has declined, making home ownership increasingly unaffordable as house prices soared while wages stagnated. The construction of affordable social housing has virtually ceased, leaving 1.2 million people on waiting lists. Deliberate policy decisions have reduced the proportion of social renters, while the private rental market has grown significantly, often offering appalling conditions and high rents.

Vienna provides an alternative model. The city has prioritized high-quality subsidized housing, with most of the population living in such accommodations. Vienna's housing policy, dating back to the 1920s, focuses on providing affordable and well-maintained homes for all residents. The city invests substantially in housing yearly, primarily funded by a 1% levy on residents' salaries. Other European cities have adopted similar models, recognizing the importance of suitable housing for social well-being.

The question should not be why working-class people should own their homes but rather why everyone should not have access to decent housing. It is not an unattainable utopia but a goal that can be realized through higher taxation and a commitment to affordable housing for all. Achieving this requires political vision, will, and investment.

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