Housing is fundamental to human security, well-being, and identity. Yet in times of conflict and crisis, whether due to war, forced displacement, or socio-political upheaval, homes and neighbourhoods are often destroyed, damaged, or transformed into sites of insecurity.
As part of our Autumn Lecture, we reflect on the devastating impact of conflict on housing, communities, and human lives. The Housing Studies Association is deeply saddened by the continued violence and humanitarian crises taking place in many parts of the world. We recognise the terrible and lasting impact that conflict and displacement have on people, communities, and societies, not least through the widespread destruction of homes, neighbourhoods, and housing systems. The loss and devastation of housing in the context of war and conflict have long-term consequences for individual and collective well-being, and for recovery and rebuilding. These are deeply relevant issues for those working in housing studies, and our thoughts are with all victims of conflict and displacement, including children, families, and those working tirelessly to provide humanitarian support. We also recognise that the impacts of war and violence reverberate far beyond the regions affected, including here in the UK, where many people have strong familial, emotional, or academic ties to these crises.
According to the United Nations, since February 2022 around 13% of Ukraine’s housing stock has been damaged or destroyed, affecting an estimated 2.5 million families. And in Gaza, according to Doctors Without Borders, 92% of housing units have been destroyed or damaged after more than 15 months of conflict, leaving almost all families displaced. These losses illustrate the substantial human cost of war and displacement, and underline the urgent need for reflection, dialogue, and research.
Our 2025 Autumn Lecture, No Place to Call Home – Conflict, Displacement, and Housing Justice, will provide a scholarly platform to explore the complex relationship between housing and conflict. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, the lecture will integrate insights from leading experts in urban planning, humanitarian aid, and social justice, using historical and contemporary case studies to illuminate key themes.
We are pleased to announce our first speaker, with more to be announced over the next few weeks:
Prof Kathy Burrell (University of Liverpool) - Using Domestic Space for Refugee Settlement: Insights from the Homes for Ukraine Private Hosting Scheme
This talk will draw on 58 interviews with hosts, guests, local authorities, and charities to examine how private hosting works in practice, what opportunities it opens for displaced people, and what risks it entails. The presentation will also reflect on what this scheme teaches us about private domestic hosting as a model for refugee accommodation.
Join us for the Autumn Lecture 2025
The Autumn Lecture is one of the Association’s flagship events, bringing together researchers, students, practitioners, and policymakers to engage in critical discussion on the housing consequences of global challenges.
Register now to secure your place and be part of this important conversation on housing, conflict, and displacement.
The Autumn Lecture takes place on the 16th October 2025 at 2pm, and online. Tickets are free for members, and £35 for non-members.
