Chapter 1 presents the data sources used in the report as well as various weighting methods used in the historical analysis. It also discusses who is not covered by the data, and the definition of central variables.
Housing ownership is studied in chapter 2. The housing ownership rates in Norway have been stable and are high compared to other Western European countries. We look at the development in ownership rates over time and how they vary between different population groups. Since the beginning of the 1980s, approximately three out of four households have owned the dwelling they live in. The overall picture shows a remarkably stable ownership share over the past 42 years. Economically disadvantaged groups have a lower ownership rate than the rest of the population and the gap has increased since the beginning of the 21st century. These groups include people with low levels of education and low income.
Housing standards and living environment is studied in chapter 3. This includes type of building, crowded dwellings, problems with damp or rot, noise, and access to safe surroundings. These aspects of housing conditions are crucial to wellbeing and quality of life, and there is a clear correlation between socio-economic status and these indicators on housing conditions. Problems related to housing conditions and local environment are especially prevalent among low-income households, single parents and the young. A relatively high share of families with children lives in crowded dwellings.