A pro-active and forward-looking housing policy

«Everyone in Norway should live safely and well. The Government will therefore set aside about NOK 24 billion to loans and subsidies for various housing measures and housing support in 2013,» says the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Liv Signe Navarsete.

The lending limit in the Norwegian State Housing Bank will be NOK 20 billion in 2013. In addition, the Government has proposed allocating NOK 2970 million to housing support, to provide struggling households with the economic support to find and keep their own home.

In addition, funds have been allocated to the following:

• Subsidies to help people establish their own home will be increased by NOK 30 million to NOK 354.3 million.
• Subsidies for rented homes will be increased by NOK 58.6 million to NOK 488.6 million.
• Subsidies for home adaptation will increase by NOK 47.5 million to NOK 172.5 million.

The high population growth puts pressure on housing prices, and a housing market with rising prices can be a challenge for young people and the economically disadvantaged.

“Starter loans, for instance combined with establishment subsidies, are the most important instrument we have for helping young people and struggling households to get into the housing market. In addition, the funds provide room for about 1200 new rental homes,” says Navarsete.

The Minister points out that the average life expectancy and the percentage of older people will increase in Norway, raising requirements for physical access in homes.

“I want us to build good-quality homes that are adapted to the future. Basic loans from the Norwegian State Housing Bank will increase the number of homes on offer and the construction of accessible, environmentally sound homes. We must also help the aged and persons with disabilities to adapt their homes and live at home longer,” says Navarsete. 

The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, media contact telephone: +47 22 24 25 00.