General information

The primary vision for Norwegian housing policy is adequate and secure housing for all

This will be achieved through the following overall goals and strategies:

1. Stimulation to achieve a well functioning housing market.
2. Provision of housing for groups that are disadvantaged on the housing market.
3. Increase the number of environmentally friendly and universally designed dwellings and residential areas.

The definition of adequate, secure housing is determined by a number of specific characteristics of the dwelling and the area of residence, as well as by the individual preferences of the inhabitants. The Norwegian State Housing Bank is the main implementing agency for the Norwegian housing policy. To strengthen and further develop the role as a knowledge- centre for housing policy is an important challenge for the Housing Bank in 2005.

The Housing Bank will continue to be a supplement to private credit institutions in financing new dwellings and provision of loans and grants. These are connected to politically desirable public economic and social purposes that cannot easily be financed in the credit market. Moreover, allocation of housing allowances is becoming increasingly significant. Emphasis is to a larger extent put on targeting those who have special needs in the housing market and less on supply side measures.

The Housing Bank plays a particular role in the implementation of the National strategy for preventing and combating homelessness. The promotion of good housing for immigrants and refugees is also given high priority. Increasingly, the bank works cross-sectorally with other public agencies on state and on municipal level to bring about good solutions for disadvantaged groups.

The Housing Bank works closely with local authorities and the private sector to improve housing quality in the general housing market, which is dominated by direct and indirect (co-operative) homeownership (77 pct). This is done by financial incentives, working with authorities in developing suitable codes, competence building activities and participating in negotiations and discussions with all parties involved in development activities.

Particular weight is given to promotion of universal design and environmentally friendly solutions in the housing and building sectors. Examples of such areas are:

• Reductions of energy in the housing and building stock.
• Identification of and reduction in use of construction materials that are hazardous to health and the environment. The bank also works to promote the aesthetic

Funding and Interest-rates