Conceptual framework for sustainable affordable housing construction in South Africa.

Abstract

Housing is the basic human need and is a key factor in the sustainable development of a nation. Worldwide demand for affordable housing has grown in recent decades and is expected to continue to grow due to the problem of rural-urban migration which is affecting both developed and developing nations. With the growing demand for affordable housing, the need for a sustainable solution in the construction of housing cannot be over-emphasized. Previous research has shown that the affordability of urban housing in South Africa is usually measured using a housing cost using to income ratio, which is an unsustainable way to view affordability. Due to this fact and government to upgrade the "informal settlement" there is a need to critically examine and investigate the scenarios affecting affordable housing construction, towards building homes that are cost effective to the occupants over the building life-cycle. This research intends to bridge the gap in the literature by providing an effective strategy by which housing can be made affordable and sustainable, through efficient management of construction resource to enhance sustainability in affordable housings constructed for the poor population in South Africa. This strategy could be applied to analyse housing situation of the poor in developing economies.