Homeless families and families without homes: the case of the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte

Abstract

Data on housing shortage and housing vacancy of homes in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte (MRBH) show that while there is a lack of properties for social housing, some buildings remain empty. This paper presents a critical diagnosis of property vacancies in that region aiming to support the characterization of vacant properties and their possible mobilization for social housing. It first outlines the relationship between vacant housing and capitalist production, to clarify the scenario that provides the mismatch between housing shortage and current vacancy. Subsequently relevant concepts for the definition of the phenomenon are listed, moving to an analysis of the (pseudo) equilibrium of the housing market and economic and social division of the residential space and its relations to the existing stock of empty homes in the MRBH.