Housing affordability continues to be an issue of importance to voters in many regions. Different countries have adopted different approaches to improve access to affordable housing – with governments playing a central role in ensuring people are adequately sheltered, as well as being encouraged to buy housing where possible. In many countries there is an underlying desire by households to own their own home; in others, renting is the norm. In each case there are specific approaches, sometimes unique-to-that-country, that have helped address the issue of affordability. Here are five

• • Government intervenes in the rental market
  • Government provides affordable housing
  • Cities embrace higher density housing
  • Public transport allows residents to commute to less expensive housing
  • Multiple person households are encouraged