Public-Private Partnership in the Context of Housing Policy in Bulgaria

Abstract

The article examines the opportunities for improving the interaction between the state, municipalities, the private sector and civil society in the formulation and implementation of housing policy in Bulgaria. The relevance of the topic stems from the combination of a strongly owner-occupied housing system, limited public and municipal housing resources, high overcrowding rates and the growing need for energy-efficient renovation. The aim of the study is to substantiate the applicability of public-private partnership as a systemic governance instrument for the development of social and affordable housing, rather than merely as an additional source of funding. The methodology includes theoretical analysis, normative and institutional review, secondary analysis of data from NSI, Eurostat, OECD and the European Commission, and a comparative overview of current European approaches. The results show that the absence of an integrated housing strategy, weak coordination between levels of government and limited municipal administrative capacity constrain the practical application of partnership models. The article formulates recommendations for regulating housing PPPs, creating sustainable financial mechanisms, making strategic use of municipal assets, institutionalizing civic participation and introducing indicators for social outcomes.