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Article
Publication date: 30 August 2019

Christopher Feather

Emerging states confront staggering shortages in adequate housing stock. In response, governments have sought various supply-based solutions to mitigate growing housing deficits…

Abstract

Purpose

Emerging states confront staggering shortages in adequate housing stock. In response, governments have sought various supply-based solutions to mitigate growing housing deficits. While many of these mass housing efforts have not produced the desired outcome, the Republic of Korea’s Two Million Housing Drive (TMHD) was a comparatively successful intervention with its implementation from 1988 to 1992. The five-year initiative exceeded its objective with the construction of over 2.1 million units – of which two-thirds were built by the private sector. The purpose of this study is to analyse Korea’s relatively effective supply-based affordable housing approach and then extrapolate best practices and lessons learned with applications for real estate markets in the developing world. Comparative understanding of the TMHD can help promote greater access to adequate housing in the developing world, especially for the many who continue to live in impoverished conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses content-based and quantitative methods to analyze the case of the TMHD in Korea toward informing improvements in corresponding supply-based housing policies and programs in developing states.

Findings

While there were challenges with the TMHD, the program repositioned Korea’s urban housing market with greater access to affordable housing in cities for the lower-income and vulnerable. The TMHD enabled the subsequent effectiveness of demand-based housing policies.

Research limitations/implications

There are research limitations in fully understanding the complex relationships between mass housing programs, economic growth and government policies. The abductive reasoning used in this case study enables in-depth analysis of the TMHD with generalizable inferences for middle-range theories with applications for emerging markets.

Practical implications

The experience of the TMHD can promote policy harmonization by helping optimize corresponding mass housing efforts in the developing world with the potential to similarly close quantitative housing deficits and expand access to adequate housing for lower-income and vulnerable households.

Social implications

Deeper understanding of the TMHD can lead to reforms of other mass housing initiatives in emerging markets to make adequate housing more accessible and economical for the benefit of underserved segments of society.

Originality/value

The Korean experience with the TMHD can inform the optimization of other similar large-scale policies and programs seeking to sustainably overcome shortfalls in adequate housing that have become all too common in the developing world.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 12 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2017

Bashir Olanrewaju Ganiyu, Julius Ayodeji Fapohunda and Rainer Haldenwang

This study aims to identify and establish effective housing financing concepts to be adopted by government in achieving its mandate of providing sustainable affordable housing for…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to identify and establish effective housing financing concepts to be adopted by government in achieving its mandate of providing sustainable affordable housing for the poor to decrease the building of shacks, as well as proposing solutions to the housing deficit in South Africa. A rise in demand and shortage in supply of housing calls for the need to address issues of affordable housing in South Africa, and developing countries in general, to ensure a stable and promising future for poor families.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature has revealed that the South African government, at all levels, accorded high priority to the provision of low-cost housing. Thus, government has adopted subsidy payment as a method of financing affordable housing to ensure that houses are allocated free to the beneficiaries. This also addresses the historically race-based inequalities of the past, but unfortunately, this has not been fully realised. This study uses a sequential mixed method approach, where private housing developers and general building contractors were the research participants. The qualitative data were analysed using a case-by-case analysis, and quantitative data were analysed using a descriptive statistical technique on SPSS.

Findings

The results of the qualitative analysis reveal a gross abuse of the housing subsidies system by the beneficiaries of government-funded housing in South Africa. This is evident from illegal sale of the houses below market value. This has led to a continual building of shacks and an increased number of people on the housing waiting list instead of a decrease in the housing deficit. The results from quantitative analysis affirm the use of “Mortgage Payment Subsidies, Mortgage Payment Deductions, Down-Payment Grant and Mortgage Interest Deductions” as viable alternatives to subsidy payment currently in use to finance affordable housing projects by the South African Government.

Practical implications

At the moment, the focus of the South African National Government is continual provision of free housing to the historically disadvantage citizens, but the housing financing method being used encourages unapproved transfer of ownership in the affordable housing sector. This study thus recommends the use of an all-inclusive housing financing method that requires a monetary contribution from the beneficiaries to enable them take control of the process.

Originality/value

The relational interface model proposed in this study will reduce pressure on government budgetary provision for housing and guarantee quick return of private developers’ investment in housing. Government must, as a matter of urgency, launch a continuous awareness programme to educate the low-income population on the value and the long-term benefits of the housing.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2017

Ishak Mohammed, Kh Md Nahiduzzaman and Adel Aldosary

The importance of housing in enhancing the quality of life has been widely reported. It represents one of the basic human needs, provides protection from harm and ensures…

Abstract

The importance of housing in enhancing the quality of life has been widely reported. It represents one of the basic human needs, provides protection from harm and ensures survival. Like many developing countries, different Ghanaian governments have variously pursued several programs and interventionsdirected at addressing the country's housing challenges including housing loan schemes in the colonial era to affordable housing projects in the 2000s. Notwithstanding, access to adequate housing for the low to middle-income groups still remains unresolved. This paper is an attempt to gain deeper insights into Ghana's housing situation, its challenges and the efforts made by governments during the periods before independence and after independence. The nature of the housing policies implemented during such eras is explored and the reasons for the implementation failures examined. In the end, the paper provides policy recommendations that could potentially help increase the supply of affordable urban housing in the country. The paper calls for a strong political will and pragmatic intelligence in the implementation of housing policies and programs in the country. Mechanisms to provide sufficienthousing finance for the poor to adequately participate in the housing market have also been outlined. It is concluded that the over-empowerment of the private real estate sector to be the major providers of housing may not be optimal. Rather, it would only lead to the inability of the poor to be able to actively participate in the housing market, consequently exacerbating housing poverty. Effective public-private partnership has the potential to guarantee the supply of reasonably-priced and affordable housing provision.

Details

Open House International, vol. 42 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2016

Mohamed Marzouk and Ismail Hosny

The housing sector in Egypt represents a considerable share of the gross domestic product (GDP) and accordingly the economy. Further, it is considered vital for any population…

Abstract

Purpose

The housing sector in Egypt represents a considerable share of the gross domestic product (GDP) and accordingly the economy. Further, it is considered vital for any population around the world, because it provides the shelter needed by people. Egyptian housing market is facing many problems which need to be solved. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This research reviews and analyzes the Egyptian public and private housing market’s key variables. As such, it highlights the importance of informed decision making through detailed analysis and study of the market, especially when planning for the future by any housing market stakeholder. The research proposes the use of system dynamics (SD) modeling to analyze the market by creating a stock and flow model using STELLA modeling and simulation software.

Findings

The results reveal that the expected newly established families will be nearly 800,000 families in year 2015/2016. Out of these numbers, 600,000 families require economic housing units, while the expected supply is nearly 300,000 units.

Originality/value

A study is made for the economic housing market, which is a very big housing market and population segment that has been suffering from negligence for years.

Details

Housing, Care and Support, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-8790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2017

Porfirio Guevara, Robert Hill and Michael Scholz

This study aims to show how hedonic methods can be used to compare the performance of the public and private sector housing markets in Costa Rica.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to show how hedonic methods can be used to compare the performance of the public and private sector housing markets in Costa Rica.

Design/methodology/approach

Hedonic price indexes are computed using the adjacent-period method. Average housing quality is measured by comparing hedonic and median price indexes. The relative performance of the public and private sector residential construction is compared by estimating separate hedonic models for each sector. A private sector price is then imputed for each house built in the public sector, and a public sector price is imputed for each house built in the private sector.

Findings

The real quality-adjusted price of private housing rose by 12 per cent between 2000 and 2013, whereas the price of private housing rose by 9 per cent. The average quality of private housing rose by 45 per cent, whereas that of public housing fell by 18 per cent. Nevertheless, the hedonic imputation analysis reveals that public housing could not be produced more cheaply in the private sector.

Social implications

The quality of public housing has declined over time. The hedonic analysis shows that the decline is not because of a lack of competition between construction firms in the public sector. An alternative demand side explanation is provided.

Originality/value

This study applies hedonic methods in novel ways to compare the relative performance of the public and private housing sectors in Costa Rica. The results shed new light on the effectiveness of public sector housing programs.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 September 2014

Oladotun Ayoade and Vian Ahmed

– The aim of this study is to define land use policy sources of barriers to community-based housing options in practice.

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to define land use policy sources of barriers to community-based housing options in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper accentuated the need to tackle land use sources of barrier to Community Land Trust (CLT) performance, through text analysis of semi-structured interview responses from key stakeholders.

Findings

This study found out that there is a need to ameliorate stakeholder approach to community-based housing (CBH), which is hampered by restrictive land use sources of barriers that occur in an urban and rural context. These barriers were found to include both planning inadequacies and a systemic inefficient network of knowledge transfer practices between stakeholders. Recommendations include the need for drastic policy intervention through the political willingness to address Section 106 shortcomings in the choice of affordable housing supply models, and the inaccessibility of land below market rate in an endogenous prescriptive planning system.

Practical implications

This paper highlights the subjective limitations of the CLT model in regards to grey areas between setting boundaries to what is an acceptable level of concessions to CBH and the socio-economic impact or benefits of a completely deregulated social housing system. These boundaries do vary from system to system, hence the need for UK housing institutions to address identified inherent barrier sources and their reconciliation with international best practices. Therefore, greater roles can be accorded to the CLT model in the UK affordable housing dynamics based on its confirmed strengths and merits.

Originality/value

This paper adds to literature through the practical identification and interpretation of various key stakeholder perspectives on sources of CLT barriers and an idealised strategy to tackling them accordingly. This contributes to the housing affordability debate on the viability of CBH options, and how it could be invariably hampered by direct and indirect effects of planning and restrictive land use policies in practice.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 7 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2007

Tahar Bellal and Ouafa Saighi

This study is addressing the widespread transformation activities made to government-built housing intended for low income urban households. These unauthorised self-help…

Abstract

This study is addressing the widespread transformation activities made to government-built housing intended for low income urban households. These unauthorised self-help transformation activities indicate not only people's willingness to become actively involved in the housing process but also demonstrate the potential for low income families to invest to improve their living conditions. In this paper we examine the changes made to the internal layouts of multi-story walk-up flats in the recently implemented satellite town of "Ali Mendjeli" in Constantine which is one of the newly adopted solutions to ease Constantine saturated city centre, and also to respond to an acute housing shortage. These transformation activities have an effect on dwelling size, cultural norms, and internal maintenance. A survey has been conducted in selected projects and socio-economic data has been collected from a sample of dwellings. The findings of the study point to the factors, which encourage these transformations, help to understand the motives and means used by the residents in the transformation procedure, find out the characteristics of these transformations, and assess means, which can be used to plan for future transformations in proposed housing schemes. Thus, this paper tends to understand the alterations carried out by the users, and to propose recommendations in order to attenuate this phenomenon.

Details

Open House International, vol. 32 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 April 2015

Duncan Ranslem

This study aims to examine how temporary relocation areas (TRAs), urban forms that facilitate evictions and forced relocations, have been written into South African legal and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine how temporary relocation areas (TRAs), urban forms that facilitate evictions and forced relocations, have been written into South African legal and governmental structures through contested urban planning and legal regimes.

Design/methodology/approach

Proceeding from the macro-scale of TRAs spread across the nation, to the mezzo-scale of the Delft Symphony Way TRA in Cape Town, to the micro-scale of an individual “blikkie” (housing unit) within this camp, the article looks at the form and function of the TRA in urban resettlement practices. Special attention is given to relocation areas’ designation as “temporary” spaces and the consequences of this temporal designation in law and on the ground.

Findings

These sites have developed as technologies for negotiating competing demands on the state, and their presence foregrounds some of the deeply rooted contradictions in post-apartheid South Africa. They are places both within and apart from the city, often managed by city officials according to municipal specifications, but located proximally to key urban amenities, utilities services and employment centers. They also place contradictory demands on their residents, for whom making the TRA liveable also legitimates it as a form of housing.

Originality/value

This article uncovers several concerns about TRAs, including their inadequacy for long-term settlement, their problematic usage as tools of dispossession and the spatial-material-legal imbrications by which TRAs exist, persist and act back upon both individual lives and policy spheres.

Details

International Journal of Law in the Built Environment, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-1450

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2015

Chuba Onyechi Odum

– The purpose of this paper is to present a study assessing residents’ satisfaction with the integration of natural environment in public housing designs in Enugu urban, Nigeria.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a study assessing residents’ satisfaction with the integration of natural environment in public housing designs in Enugu urban, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed qualitative and quantitative strategies. Personal observations and one-on-one interviews were conducted where necessary. A survey of 898 households residing in two main prevalent residential building typologies, systematically selected based on quota of their existence in seven public housing estates, was conducted, with a questionnaire as the key data collection instrument. A five-point Likert scale was used in measuring residents’ level of satisfaction of three key housing environment sub-components. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Findings

Residents expressed dissatisfaction with overall housing estate environment in terms of naturalness in the estate landscaping and availability of green areas, and also with immediate dwelling unit environments in terms open spaces and naturalness in external finishes. Many of the residents, however, claimed to be indifferent about the extent of response of layout designs to natural factors, and street layout concepts to climatic influences. This reveals a high level of apathy of residents to their estates designs.

Research limitations/implications

Collecting relevant data from the government agency that are the providers of the public housing studied was a herculean task, as there was no existing organized data bank. Consequently, the researcher depended more on extensive field work. In addition to the above, getting the questionnaire respondents to agree to participate in the study was another major challenge, as they were not used to participating in such studies before the current study.

Social implications

Findings from the study imply that residents’ are adaptable to whatever housing environment they are provided with; therefore, therapeutic housing environment, if provided, would enhance healthy living for public housing residents in Nigeria.

Originality/value

This work is a pioneering effort at evaluating public housing environment in the study area in relation to residents’ perception.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2018

A.G. Gel and E. Şatıroğlu

In parallel with industrialization and population growth, the need for housing areas in developing countries has also increased. Diminishing green areas in cities due to unplanned…

Abstract

In parallel with industrialization and population growth, the need for housing areas in developing countries has also increased. Diminishing green areas in cities due to unplanned urbanization led people to search for new residential areas where they can meet with green and can satisfy their social and cultural needs.

Trabzon city is located on the East Black Sea coast of Turkey. By virtue of the concentration of settlement in the city center and the problems it has caused, the residential areas have been directed to the eastern parts of the city. Kaşüstü is one of Trabzon's new and popular residential and commercial areas. As the study area, 3 different site areas in Kaşüstü region located in the Yomra district in the east of Trabzon were determined.

In this study, it was aimed to determine the outdoor facilities and opportunities of different housing estates in Kaşüstü region. Outdoor activities, types of usages, preferences and requests of users in these areas were identified. Thus, outdoors in different housing estates in the same region and the usage types of these places were compared. In addition, new suggestions and alternatives for outdoor usage have been developed.

Details

Open House International, vol. 43 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

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