In this study the housing careers of individuals are related to the development of the Swedish welfare state and its effects on the housing market.The aim of the study was to investigate if the value placed on housing standard, size, tenure and location has changed over time as the welfare state has developed. Twelve individuals in four cohorts born in 1925, 1942, 1955 and 1970 were interviewed. The most evident differences relate to the standard, size and the location of a dwelling. The older cohorts began their housing career in smaller housing with a standard that was the norm at that time. When the most basic housing needs were met, environmental and location aspects began to gain policy interest. These factors were taken into account by the younger cohorts as they entered the housing market, but also among the older as they had progressed through their housing career. A change in housing size as the household grows was not cohort-specific. Tenure was not cohort-specific, but was discussed in terms of freedom that differed between individuals rather than between cohorts.