2.4.Summary

2.4. Summary

In conclusion, the literature review sets out the basis for the research. The first section, Defining Affordable Housing reveals a key point:  Romania does not have policies or thresholds regarding affordable housing like other countries have. (section 2.1.5) The second section, The Housing Crisis from Communism to Democracy points out several important aspects:  The research indicates that the communist regime built a large part of the existing stock but it was of low quality. Economic efficiency was the rule and not affordability, which was seen in the small division of space per person of just 8 to 10 m2. (section 2.2.1)  In democracy, Romania ratified the right to housing and established some principles of comfort and quality of life. (section 2.2.2)  After communism, the government enacted two policies: Privatisation and Restitution. (section 2.2.3)  The reports and statistics suggest that privatisation had negative consequences such as: decrease of social houses, vacuum of policies and laws regarding housing and people could not afford the housing costs (section 2.2.3). This “created a disadvantage for the next generations” (Habitat, 2015, p. 90) The third section, The Housing Situation Now, examines new statistical data and several findings emerge:  There seems to be a housing crisis that affects young adults in Romania (CEB, 2016). Many live in overcrowded conditions and are in danger of environmental hazard (section 2.3).  The housing costs are increasing and 15.1% of Romanian are overburdened. (section 2.3.1)  There is a high level of severe housing deprivation (section 2.3.3)  The analysis seems to show that young adults are disadvantaged in acquiring new homes (section 2.3.4)  The statistics indicate that the local authorities are not able to provide enough social housing for the demand. (section 2.3.5)