The idea that communities ought to contain a greater mix of housing types, tenures, household incomes and residents is a key component of the current Government’s policies on housing and neighbourhoods. In the last ten years a substantial body of research has emerged on mix, its effects and the means to create it. A variety of types of housing and social mix are currently being pursued.

This review of the research offers lessons for the practical implementation of planned changes to mix and for the management of new and existing mixed areas.