Supplying social housing and preserving inexpensive rental units: a comparative case study of the municipal right of first refusal in Montreal and Berlin

The municipal right of first refusal presents an emerging market intervention to study as it rethinks the forces that shape access to low-cost housing. This paper compares the right of first refusal in Montréal as a tool to supply social housing and the right of first refusal in Berlin as a tool to prevent displacement. To elaborate on this little known right, the context surrounding each case’s adoption, intended impact, and selection of areas for the use of this tool is explored in depth. These distinct cases show a range of considerations in relation to the concept of social mix in areas of transformation and active real estate markets, devolution of authority, and involvement of mission-oriented housing organizations. Overall, this contextual analysis provides relevant information for evaluation and offers new information to municipalities looking to address deeper housing affordability for low to moderate income households.

Keywords:

An article on municipal interventions in the housing market, used the key words: housing affordability, rental, Montreal, Berlin, displacement, social housing.