A role for housing in development: Using housing as a catalyst for development in South Africa

Abstract

In many parts of the world, housing is as an economic commodity, with the property acting as an asset that accumulates passive wealth for the owner. This trend stems from housing markets in the Global North, yet many formal housing markets in the Global South demonstrate similar characteristics. However, in the Global South, there is a prolific shortage of housing at every level; this has pushed many individuals to seek shelter in the informal housing sector. This situation has meant that the informal housing sector and any associated economic activities are lost to the official development agenda, and housing does not contribute fully to local economic development. This article explores the role of housing in development in South Africa and how a ‘developmental state’, with a housing-driven development strategy, can accelerate development at the local level.