The downside of home ownership: Housing change and mortgage arrears in the republic of Ireland

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Abstract
Recent debates concerning the existence of social divisions within home ownership hold implications for analyses of housing policy. This is especially true in situations where housing policy has been driven by an overt support for home ownership. In particular, the consequences of expanding home ownership among low‐income groups needs to be examined. This paper argues that an appropriate framework for such an investigation requires a three tiered approach encompassing housing policy, institutional behaviour and the housing experiences of households. Adopting a ‘structures of housing provision’ approach (Ball, 1983; Ball & Harloe, 1992), this paper examines the consequences of extending home ownership in the Republic of Ireland over the period 1970–90. Moving from an overview of housing policy and institutional activity in housing finance, the paper addresses the issue of mortgage arrears through an analysis of building society management practice and household experiences.