ABSTRACT
The dramatic shift from renting to ownership in urban Mexico was, and continues to be, strongly encouraged by the state. State policy has stimulated the growth of home-ownership, both directly and indirectly, while neglecting, and sometimes even discouraging, most forms of rental housing. In the formal sector, public agencies have provided funds mainly for the construction of owner-occupied homes; in the informal sector, the principal form of state action has been the gradual improvement, regular¬ isation and servicing of irregular settlements.
