Recent Privatization In Sovıet Housing Markets

In recent years there has been an interesting convergcnce in housing policies between the United States and East l'uıope. While the U.S. remains primarily market-oriented, the socialist economies have adhered closely to poîitical objectives through public construction. allocation, and subsidization of rent-conırolfed housing. This paper examines Soviet attempts in particular. To develop private housing as a means to allcviatc consumer l'rustration. Data is derived both from official sources and a cross-sectional emigre questionnait*e.The limited availability of dwellings has left the typical household with few alternatives other than to enduıe on endless waiting lists or to pay black market prices in the flourishing underground economy. Expansion of cooperatives, more privatization in the service sector and dismantling of the outmoded local state housing organizations would ali be in keeping with perestroika. The immediate prospects for living conditions are not especially bright höwever. because central planners have not nıade available the necessaıy resources.