UN-Habitat: Seven Ways to Create More Affordable Housing

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This post is from UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme). 

From land reform to community-led housing, there are several key ways to create more affordable housing where it is most needed.

One approach is through smarter policy and planning. National Urban Policies can align housing strategies with broader urban, social, and climate goals. Land use reform can give low-income families access to well-located plots, not just the urban periphery. Inclusionary zoning laws can also play a critical role by requiring new developments to reserve a portion of units for affordable housing.

Financing models are another essential element. Public–private partnerships can attract private investment by offering incentives such as tax breaks or streamlined permitting processes. Housing funds and rent-to-own schemes can make homes more accessible for vulnerable groups, while climate finance and blended models can ensure that housing is both affordable and resilient. Microfinance and community savings groups can further support self-built housing initiatives.

Upgrading informal settlements without displacement is equally important. Investment in infrastructure such as water, sanitation, electricity, and drainage can improve living conditions without forcing communities to move. Involving residents in co-designing upgrades ensures culturally appropriate and sustainable solutions. Nature-based strategies, such as green roofs or flood-buffering parks, can enhance resilience in vulnerable areas.

A rethinking of housing supply is also required. Supporting non-profit, cooperative, and community-led housing reduces reliance on profit-driven developers, while greater investment in rental housing ensures that affordable options extend beyond ownership. Incremental housing and modular construction allow families to build gradually as resources permit, and the reuse of vacant land or underutilised buildings, including state-owned sites and brownfields, can be prioritised for social housing.

Ultimately, affordable housing requires systems that are inclusive, climate-smart, and community-led. This means using local materials and designs that can withstand heat, flooding, or drought. It also means ensuring housing is built near jobs, schools, and transport rather than on the margins of cities. Above all, it requires recognising housing as a right rather than a privilege. When communities are meaningfully involved in design and decision-making, the results are not only more resilient but also more just.

Source:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/un-habitat-united-nation-human-settlements-programme-_from-land-reform-to-community-led-housing-activity-7373038232307142656-EZ4c

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