Structured Review of the Evidence on the Intersection of Housing and Health Policy in the WHO European Region

A central challenge in promoting good health is to ensure access to adequate housing for all. The United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights defines adequate housing as not only simple shelter, but a secure, affordable, accessible and fully equipped home. While there is potential for the housing sector to promote, or to harm, people’s health, housing policies are often made with little regard to their potential health impact. To better promote joined-up intersectoral action across health and housing policy, this paper reports a structured and thematic review of literature relevant to the WHO European Region. Eighty documents met the study inclusion criteria. The paper summarizes the impacts on health of physical housing quality, affordability and stability, and location, as well as the role of health in achieving desirable housing outcomes. Individuals who are especially vulnerable to housing impacts on health are those who spend greater quantities of time in their household, including self-employed persons who work at home, older persons, carers, children and persons with disabilities. The paper concludes with directions for future research and policy, with a view towards joined-up intersectoral action, such as policies that establish minimum housing standards and ensure housing affordability.