Affordable Housing and its Sustainability-A review of Critical Success Factors (CSFs)

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has led to migration of people from rural to urban areas in large numbers. This shift is especially significant in developing countries like India. Our cities themselves are in a state of change, adapting to the advancement in technology and other global influences. These urban centers do not have the adequate infrastructure to accommodate the huge influx of people migrating to cities in search of better job opportunities and living conditions. This group of people is only looking for employment and decent accommodation with basic amenities. The real challenge for them is to manage daily expenses along with the transportation costs and also, pay for accommodation; be it owned or rental. In order to manage housing costs, government has floated several schemes over a period of time that provides incentives and most importantly, land at subsidized rates to developers. Often, in an attempt to make housing economically affordable to people, the government and developers compromise on the design, construction quality, location, technology, access to basic amenities and other features, which hold significant value to the consumer. As a result, all the efforts made by the government and the private developers do not bear the expected or desired results. The literature review highlights the gap in understanding the correct and complete criteria essential for successful housing implementation and occupation. Besides the cost of housing unit and managing other living expenses, there are other factors - easy access to school, medical facility, water, sewerage; accessibility to public transport; sense of community; imageability of housing, social inclusion, value appreciation and use of technology; amongst others that play a key role in decision making for the consumer in making housing choices. These factors can be categorized under Economic, Socio-cultural and Environmental sustainability, associated with housing.