The housing sector has a critical role to play in ensuring the success of economic and social development in the UNECE region and the reform process in countries in transition. At the same time, the process of transition to a market economy has had a profound impact on housing policy implementation and management. This project represents a tool for Governments to analyse their housing policies, strategies, institutional and financial frameworks for the housing sector and to compare the progress made internationally. The project is a high priority for the UNECE Committee on Housing and Land Management. The country profile is a process-oriented exercise. At its core is an analytical study on the housing sector, drafted by independent international experts. It draws on the Committee's work on housing statistics. Recommendations for improving policies and practices are an essential part of the programme. It also aims to provide information to potential investors.

The Profiles constitute a strategic analysis of a country's entire housing sector. The study covers five major areas: (i) the framework for the housing sector transition; (ii) the existing housing stock and new housing construction; (iii) the institutional framework; (iv) the legal framework; and (v) the financial framework.

As a voluntary exercise, the Country Profile study is undertaken only at the request of the country itself. The Committee or its Bureau then selects a country from the list of applicants. The project starts with a compilation of relevant data on the housing sector of the country to be reviewed. An international team of experts from all over Europe, including countries in transition, is then formed.

The conduct of the country profile exercise is enabled by an extrabudgetary fund, to which a number of UNECE member countries contribute. Some member countries have also provided experts as a contribution in kind to the project.

The project involves a preparatory mission and a research mission of the team of international experts to the country under review. In the host country, the team also interviews officials, experts, NGOs, international organizations and their project personnel, and visits development sites.

The study is published in English and translated to the national languages for distribution to interested parties. 

Following the High Level Conference on Housing Reforms in South-Eastern Europe (Paris, 2003) the Committee, in cooperation with the Council of Europe, the Council of Europe Development Bank and the International Finance Corporation, undertook a study on trends and progress of housing reform in South-Eastern Europe.