Both Germany and Sweden are currently experiencing affordable housing shortage, mainly in cities and university towns, and central and local governments are investigating reform initiatives that could help alleviate the situation. This article outlines four reform initiatives that are currently being investigated in Sweden and draws parallels to the situation in Germany. The four reforms are related to urban planning, the building code, local government policy related to housing construction and inclusionary zoning (Baulandmodelle). Parallel German and Swedish case studies show that reforms aiming at expanding the overall housing supply are transferable between Germany and Sweden. However, initiatives targeting lower-income households, which are implemented in Germany i.a. through inclusionary zoning, are difficult to implement in Sweden due to its unitary housing system which does not allow reserving certain housing for lower-income groups.