Conference 2021

Preparing for the future and learning from the past

The 30th annual Housing Studies Association conference took place virtually  14 – 15 April 2021 the conference is the premier forum for the presentation of advances and research in housing theory and practice. This year’s theme was ‘Preparing for the future and learning from the past’. 

The conference celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the HSA, and was organised to provide an international platform for academics, researchers, practitioners and students to share their research findings with global experts in housing studies. 

The full conference programme is available to download: HSA_Conference_2021_Programme.pdf

The conference explored contemporary housing and housing research through both retrospective and future-gazing analyses to ask: How should housing history inform the future of housing practice and research?

Advances in housing theory, and methodology over the last 30 years have been substantial, however many questions persist in housing theory and practice. This conference examined the use of historical methods in housing studies, considering predictions about the future shape of housing, whilst acknowledging the increasing spatial differentiation of housing markets and appreciating the longstanding causes of change within housing systems.  

In celebrating 30 years of the Housing Studies Association, this conference offered an opportunity to engage in wider discussions about: the place of history within the discipline; the trajectories of social, economic and cultural change; the legacy of past policies, including (de-)regulation and (dis)investment and how these questions influence contemporary agenda setting and planning for the future. Adopting an international approach, we welcome papers from UK-based and international scholars that consider both single country and comparative approaches (please note that the research does not need to have been conducted in the UK).

Conference Costs

The 30th anniversary Housing Studies Association annual conference was held online. 

If you’re not yet a member and you can join the association here for only £25 for full membership (and only £11.50 for students!) to take advantage of lower conference cost for members. 

Valerie Karn Prize

The Valerie Karn Prize is awarded each year to the the best paper submitted by an early-career researcher (ECR). To be considered for the prize in next year's conference, you must submit an abstract to present at the conference and follow this up with the submission of a lengthier paper of 3,000-6,000 words. This is an excellent opportunity for an ECR to receive formal recognition of their work in the form of a prize. For more information click here.

If you have any questions about this year’s conference please do contact us on: [email protected]

Regina Serpa, Ian Wilson and Rich Dunning
2021 Conference Organisers