Access to good-quality affordable housing is important for promoting a number of social policy objectives, including poverty reduction, equality of opportunity and social inclusion. The aim of this paper is to start developing OECD data and knowledge on housing policies and the degree to which OECD countries pursue social policy objectives through housing policies. The paper also identifies possible strands of work that can be carried out by the OECD Secretariat to help member countries learn from each other’s experiences.