Affordable housing refers to housing units that are affordable by that section of society whose income is below the median household income.

Though different countries have different definitions for affordable housing, affordable housing should address the housing needs of the lower- or middle-income households. Affordable housing becomes a key issue especially in developing nations where most of the population is not able to buy houses at the market price.

Disposable income of the people remains the primary factor in determining the affordability. As a result, it becomes the increased responsibility of the government to cater to the rising demand for affordable housing. The Government of India has taken various measures to meet the increased demand for affordable housing along with some developers and stressing on public-private partnerships (PPP) for development of these units.

Asking around for a definition one does get different answers but the one that really hits home is “Affordable Housing is relative” this is very true in South Africa, where we started with RDP, now frowned upon, but we have seen good development of liveable, safe and comfortable houses.

Do you have a definition, or comments on what affordable housing means to you? Contact us at: rory@interactmedia.co.za