Social justice as a principle of housing policy

The article is devoted to defining social justice as a fundamental principle of housing policy. It emphasizes that housing policy may serve as: a component of social security policy, an element of economic policy, or an independent policy developed and implemented at the national, regional, and local levels. In the Ukrainian context, it is particularly important to distinguish between housing policy during peacetime, under martial law, and throughout the post-war recovery period. Each of these phases requires a specific approach, as they involve unique challenges and implementation strategies. The objective of the study is to identify the characteristics of social justice as a foundational element of housing policy. While academic research often focuses on strategic directions of housing policy, its core principles still require thorough scholarly examination. The article underlines that social justice is a fundamental value that entails ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens regardless of social status, financial standing, age, or other characteristics. It is also noted that social justice manifests and is implemented through two dimensions: material and moral. Social justice is defined as a fundamental principle of state policy, which involves creating equal access for all citizens to both material and non-material resources, ensuring a fair distribution of benefits, providing social guarantees, and maintaining a decent standard of living. These objectives are grounded in the values of human dignity, solidarity, and social responsibility. In the realm of housing policy, social justice is reflected in equal access to sufficient and adequate housing, support for vulnerable groups, development of rural housing stock, balancing the interests of private homeowners and those in housing need, and the creation of a safe, inclusive, and energy-efficient residential environment. Key elements also include transparency at the local level, combating housing discrimination, and recognizing housing as a cornerstone of human dignity and a tool for reducing social inequality.