With the Russian housing reform underway for several years, this is an appropriate time to review the progress made towards the stated goal of creating a market-oriented housing sector. From the fundamental shift towards private ownership to the supporting legislation, substantial progress has...

Proxy means tests are often suggested for use in countries where tighter targeting of benefits of social programmes are desired but verification of household incomes is difficult. This paper reports on simulations of the use of two types of proxy means test in determining eligibility for...

Ghana has been one of the most rapidly growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa. This growth has been aided by Ghana's improving policy environment. In light of this, the paper addresses the question of why, given its higher level of per capita income and relatively strong growth, the housing...

Implementation of housing allowances is an integral part of Russia's programme of systematic rent increases on state and municipal rental units which began in 1994. Because housing allowances constitute the country's first income-tested programme, its performance transcends the housing sector....

The implementation of housing allowances is an integral part of Russia's programme of systematic rent increases on state and municipal rental units which began in 1994. Because housing allowances constitute the country's first income-tested programme, its performance transcends the housing...

A housing purchase certificate (HPC) is a voucher for the purchase of a dwelling unit, either for the full price (up to a programme-determined maximum) or a grant for a partial payment (i.e. a downpayment subsidy). Using a special sample survey of programme participants, this paper examines why...