Volume 15, Issue 1

2004

 

 

Krueckeberg's critique of de Soto's paean to homeownership in Third World countries is well taken; his use of John Locke's rationale for private homeownership provides support for the critique. But then Krueckeberg puts forward a proposal to extend homeownership benefits through a National Homestead Trust, with Individual Development Accounts or a tax like Social Security, to help renters accumulate a down payment. Abandoning a broader approach, Krueckeberg reverts to supporting homeownership as a central tenent of  U.S. housing policy and wants to extend its real and perceived benefits to low-income households. He recognizes the shortcomings of U.S. property law and tax policy that may leave low-income owners with threats to shelter security.

 

To provide security for low-income residents, fundamental changes are required. Attention should be paid to protection from evictions and from foreclosure; income/employment support, guarantee of services from utility to schools; and, as needed, direct subsidies for housing.