Affordable Housing Development Research Articles

Decarbonizing Affordable Housing in New York City

Buildings account for about 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Retrofitting existing buildings for electrification and energy efficiency is a necessary first step toward building decarbonization. For the City of New York to reach its ambitious decarbonization goals, the city must create market conditions to allow rapid scaling up of deep energy retrofits. RiseBoro Community Partnership delivered one such innovative deep energy retrofit project called Casa Pasiva. This case study reveals ways in which affordable housing developers are uniquely positioned with many supporting policies in New York to become early adopters of deep energy retrofits, given their need to improve both business operations and tenant health. However, future projects still face steep obstacles ranging from funding gaps, a lack of familiarity with new building technologies, and conservative investors. RiseBoro’s successful Casa Pasiva pilot project identifies many of the remaining challenges related to deep energy retrofit capital projects as well as further opportunities to scale necessary retrofits across the New York affordable housing market. Readers will learn about options for and obstacles to implementing and scaling up deep energy retrofits in the affordable housing industry.

THE HOUSING‐WELFARE REGIME AND THIRD‐SECTOR HOUSING IN HONG KONG AND SOUTH KOREA: A Historical Institutionalist Perspective

AbstractThe third sector has recently emerged, or re‐emerged, as a new housing provider for disadvantaged groups in Hong Kong and Korea, where affordable housing development has been predominantly directed by government. However, our knowledge of third‐sector housing in non‐Western contexts remains partial. In this article, we aim to provide, from a historical‐institutionalist perspective, a comparative account of the (re‐)emergence and implementation of third‐sector affordable housing delivery in Hong Kong and Korea. Based on the housing‐welfare regime framework, we discuss the socioeconomic and political contexts in which third‐sector housing has burgeoned in the two regions, and how the relationship between the government and the third sector has moulded the implementation of third‐sector housing. We highlight the significant power of the government in implementing third‐sector housing and third‐sector organizations’ continued complementary role to the government in supplying housing as welfare, which reflects the path‐dependent nature of housing and welfare policies in the two regions. Adopting a long view to understanding history and a broader framework that reflects the socioeconomic context contributes to advancing the comparative housing literature.

Evaluation of Dimensions Impacting the Housing Property Retail Price in Noida: An Empirical Study

Abstract: This study looks into the various aspects that affect how housing properties are priced at retail. Understanding the complex interactions between various factors is essential for stakeholders in the modern real estate market, from developers and investors to legislators. The research uses a thorough methodology, examining structural, locational, economic, and demographic aspects that affect housing property values. The research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex web of influences shaping retail prices in the housing market by synthesising existing literature and utilising cutting-edge analytical tools. The study's insights may help real estate market players navigate the complexity and uncertainty involved in housing property pricing, which could influence strategic decision-making in the industry. Ultimately, this study adds to the larger conversation about affordable housing, stable markets, and urban development that is sustainable.

Affordable housing in Russia, Europe and USA in the 5–18th centuries

The article discusses problems of concept genesis and development of affordable housing in Russia, Europe, and the USA in the 5–18th centuries. Affordable housing plays an important role in the quality of life and social integration. Affordable housing originates from the history of European civilization and Christian axiology, where communal living and housing for the poor are determined.Purpose: The following types of housing are studied: bursas (5−15th centuries), almshouses (10−11th centuries), Fuggerei (16th century), Shaker (17−18th centuries) houses. Their master plans and facades are studied herein. Population categories for which housing is assigned are indicated as well as the period of residence and owners.Research findings: Affordable housing is built by private individuals. The housing development is influenced by the policy pursued by their governments and external factors such as socio-economic, demographic, political, administrative, legal conditions, which determine the role, goals and characteristics of housing. Housing types are determined according by the following parameters: residence duration, owners, residents, and their activities.

Manhattan Vision Screening and Follow-up Study (NYC-SIGHT): a nested cross-sectional assessment of falls risk within a cluster randomised trial

BackgroundTo investigate the feasibility of using the Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries (STEADI) Falls Risk Tool Kit during community-based eye health screenings to assess falls risk of participants enrolled...

Manhattan Vision Screening and Follow-up Study (NYC-SIGHT): Vision and refractive error results

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Optometrists can play a key role in providing access to eye care in underserved populations by organising community-based eye health screenings that include optometric exams to detect vision impairment and uncorrected refractive error. Background Community-based eye health screenings and optometric exams were conducted in the NYC-SIGHT Study. Methods A sub-analysis of vision impairment and refractive error results within a 5-year prospective, cluster-randomised clinical trial. Eligible individuals (age ≥40 years) were recruited from 10 affordable housing developments in Upper Manhattan. Developments were randomised into usual care (received glasses prescription only) and intervention (free glasses) groups. Participants with 6/12 visual acuity or worse, intraocular pressure 23–29 mmHg, or an unreadable fundus image were scheduled with the study optometrist for refraction and a non-dilated exam. Visual improvement data were obtained by comparing the presenting acuity at screening compared to the best corrected acuity after refraction by the optometrist. Chi-square, two-sample t-tests, and a stepwise multivariate logistic regression model were used to determined factors associated with improvable visual impairment. Results Seven hundred and eight participants completed screening, 308 received an optometric exam. Those with improvable vision impairment (n = 251), mean age: 69.8 years, 70.5% female, 53% African American, 39.8% Hispanic, >95% had health insurance. Refractive error diagnosed in 87.8% of the participants; lines of improvement: 2 lines (n = 59), 3 to 5 lines (n = 120), and ≥6 lines (n = 72). Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that participants with visual acuity 6/12 or worse (odds ratio 16.041, 95% confidence interval 6.009 to 42.822, p = 0.000) or a normal fundus image (odds ratio 2.783, 95% confidence interval 1.001 to 7.740, p = 0.05) had significantly higher odds of improvable vision impairment. Conclusion This innovative, targeted community-based study included an optometrist who detected high rates of refractive error and improvable vision impairment in an underserved population living in New York City.

Differences between the Affordable Housing Supply Systems in China and the UK - The Examples of Shenzhen and London

In the process of rapid urbanization, the problem of housing and declining affordability of residents has gradually become severe, and affordable housing has become a method to improve the housing problem among residents. However, many large cities face the problem of insufficient affordable housing. Therefore, many governments have been improving their regulatory and supply systems to facilitate the development and construction of affordable housing. This paper compares the similarities and differences between the affordable housing supply systems in China and the UK under different political environments, using Shenzhen and London as examples.

Manhattan Vision Screening and Follow-Up Study (NYC-SIGHT): optometric exam improves access and utilization of eye care services.

To describe the benefits of optometric evaluation for detection of vision-affecting conditions in the context of community-based eye health screenings and identify factors associated with having a recent dilated eye exam. Enrolled participants were age 40 and older, living independently in affordable housing developments in New York City. Eye health screening failure and criteria for seeing the on-site study optometrist were defined as visual acuity 20/40 or worse in either eye, intraocular pressure 23-29mmHg, or an unreadable fundus image. The optometrist conducted a manifest refraction using loose lenses and used a portable slit lamp and ophthalmoscope to perform a non-dilated anterior and posterior segment ocular health evaluation. Demographics, social determinants of health, eye health screening results, and rates of suspected ophthalmic conditions were recorded. To determine factors associated with having a recent dilated eye exam, which was the main outcome for this statistical analysis, a stepwise multivariate logistic regression was performed. A total of 708 participants were screened, 308 attended the optometric exam; mean age 70.7 ± 11.7 [standard deviation (SD)] years. Among this subgroup, 70.1% identified as female, 54.9% self-identified as African American, 39% as Hispanic/Latino, and 26.6% Dominican ethnicity; 78.2% (241/308) had not undergone a dilated eye exam within the last year, 71.4% reported they did not have an eye care provider. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that participants who self-reported having cataracts (odds ratio (OR) 2.15; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-4.47; p = 0.041), self-reported having glaucoma/glaucoma suspect (OR 5.60; 95% CI 2.02-15.43; p = 0.001), or spoke Spanish as their primary language (OR 3.25; 95% CI 1.48-7.11; p = 0.003) had higher odds of having a recent dilated eye exam. This community-based screening initiative demonstrated the effectiveness of optometric exams in detecting vision-affecting conditions and identified factors associated with having a recent dilated eye exam. Optometrists play a vital role in increasing access to eye care for high-risk, underserved populations. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04271709).

Comparative Study of Malaysian Affordable Housing Policy Initiatives

The Malaysian government has implemented and coordinated affordable housing development initiatives to many targeted groups with the aim to spearhead liveable affordable housing and establish an effective regulatory on affordable housing. In order to focus on the direction as well as formulating guidelines for the development of affordable houses, the National Affordable Housing Policy (NAHP) had taken into account the problems and issues faced by the public especially on the inability to own a house at the market rates. Through this policy, several government initiatives were implemented, including Perumahan Penjawat Awam Malaysia (PPAM), Rumah Wilayah Persekutuan (RUMAWIP) and Projek Perumahan Rakyat (PPR). This study was to identify which initiative among those three that offers the best housing needs alongside its goal of implementation, adequate and good quality of home with conducive amenities and environment, affordability and sustainability. The survey questionnaire that was developed was validated and provided to the general public to gain insight and feedback on the effectiveness of the PPAM, RUMAWIP and PPR initiatives. Therefore, the results were summarized according to the public's satisfaction that may be useful in the housing industry and the government for continuous and improvements to ensure continuity in future studies. Results showed that the favourite housing initiative is PPR however many improvements still need to be improved such as pricing, size, facilities and maintenance. Overall, this study is in line with the targeted Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) 3 of Good Health and Wellbeing as well as Goal 11 of Sustainable Cities and Communities and others which will benefit all.

Critical Success Factors for Affordable Housing Projects in Nigeria

Housing plays an important role in socio-economic development of any country. However, access to affordable housing is a challenge to many people in developing countries. The purpose of this study is to establish critical success factors for affordable private sector housing projects in Nigeria.  Twenty-six (26) success attributes for affordable housing were identified from literature. A survey questionnaire was designed, and pre-tested, subsequently main survey was performed in which two hundred and eighty (280) questionnaires were administered to experienced researchers, senior managers in public housing agencies, developers and consultants with knowledge and experience in affordable housing. One hundred and seventy-six (176) completed questionnaires were returned completed representing 62.86% response rate. The data collected were analyzed using mean score, factor analysis and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The findings from this study produce four critical success factors for affordable housing projects namely, effective land policies for affordable housing, availability of effective financial institutions, good governance of housing systems, and political will. The results suggested that a well-functioning housing sector must satisfy these factors. It has been concluded that, government has an important role to play in the supply of affordable housing in Nigeria. Thus, government should be committed to supporting affordable housing development through the provision of policy solution and implementation. The study can assist policy makers to understand important factors that influence the success of affordable housing development, and thus include them in the formulation of housing policies in their countries.

Balancing Urban Development: Literature on the Nexus Between Affordable Housing and Urban Sprawl

The complex relationship between affordable housing and urban sprawl has major implications for cities all over the world. While urban sprawl offers lower housing costs and increased space as benefits, it also does present serious environmental, social, and economic issues. Undoubtedly, the rising cost of housing in the urban centers has forced the no income and the low-income populations to the periphery and thus increasing economic inequality and displacement. The growing urban sprawl has given rise to environmental degradation, social isolation, and economic inefficiency, which is further intensifying the displacement of low-income individuals and their families. This again is the remote cause of overcrowding as it restrains upward economic mobility. The aim of this research is to examine the complex relationship that exists between affordable housing and urban sprawl, and to propose ways to balance these dynamics. Key objectives include analyzing the adverse impacts of urban sprawl on the environment, societal fabric, and economic productivity; investigating the driving forces behind rising housing costs and their repercussions on low-income households; evaluating existing policies and strategies addressing affordable housing and urban sprawl; and proposing innovative solutions for sustainable urban development with equitable access to affordable housing. With the use of a literature review methodology, this study offers a comprehensive strategy. Stronger land use planning and zoning, improved public transportation and active transportation infrastructure, the expansion, building and preservation of more affordable housing, the promotion of social justice and community involvement and the use of technology and data-driven approaches are policy recommendations. The adoption of micro-units and tiny homes, co-housing and shared living arrangements, adaptive reuse and mixed-use development, community land trusts and housing cooperatives are some of the innovative recommendations. By striking a balance between affordable housing and sustainable urban development, these strategies hope to foster inclusive and thriving cities. Keywords: Urban sprawl, Affordable housing, Sustainable urban development, Low-Income Households, Land-Use Policy, Compact city planning, Community engagement

Producing affordable housing in higher-opportunity neighborhoods: Incentives in California’s LIHTC program

ABSTRACT Housing policy shapes where low-income families live and whether they can access neighborhoods that promote children’s well-being. Since 2018, California’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program has incentivized the development of family affordable housing in higher-resource areas. We examine how the location of proposed and funded LIHTC developments changed in response to these incentives. We find that the probability that large family projects—those eligible for incentives—were proposed in higher-resource areas increased from 0.19 to 0.29, comparing 2014-2017 and 2018–2021. The probability that funded large family projects were located in higher-resource areas doubled, from 0.15 to 0.30. The probability of location in higher-resource areas declined for developments ineligible for incentives. Interviews with affordable housing developers illuminate the role of mission and resources in shaping their responses to program incentives. We conclude with a broader discussion of the LIHTC program as a tool for reducing neighborhood inequality.

The risks of private sector investment in affordable housing development: An Afrocentric perspective

The state delivery of affordable and sustainable housing continues to be a complicated challenge in Africa, and there is a need to encourage private sector participation. As a result, this study examines the risks associated with private sector participation in affordable housing and supporting infrastructure investment and the strategies towards mitigating the risks from an Afrocentric perspective. The evidence from a systematic literature review was coupled with the opinion of an international expert panel to address the paper’s aim and provide recommendations for developing improved housing and supporting infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa. The review outcomes and the qualitative data from the panel discussion were analysed using thematic analysis. The results revealed that market dynamics, land supply and acquisition constraints, cost of construction materials, unsupportive policies, and technical and financial factors constitute risks to affordable housing in the region. Mitigation strategies include leveraging joint efforts, strengths, and resource bases, increasing access to land and finance for private sector participation, developing a supportive government framework to promote an enabling environment for easy access to land acquisition and development finance, local production of building materials, research and technology adoption. In line with the United Nations (UN) Agenda 2030 targets and principles, reforms are required across the housing value chain, involving the private sector and community. Application of the study’s recommendations could minimise the risks of affordable housing delivery and enhance private sector participation.

The Construction of Affordable Housing in Developing Countries: a Scientometric Review

The presence of affordable housing in developing countries is a crucial issue in order to fulfill the primary need for housing in a large market segment, especially people whose income is below the average household income. In contrast to developed countries, the development of studies on affordable housing construction (AHC) in developing countries has not been well mapped. This certainly creates many gaps in determining the direction of future developments, especially related to the studies that will be carried out. This study tries to map the development of scientific publications related to AHC  in developing countries, from 1983 - 2021. Using scientometric techniques and VosViewers as a data processing tool, 116 publications that meet the given criteria have been identified. The findings of this study reveal a mapping of publications organized by country, organization, research outlet, author, document citation, and main research area. During the observation period, most research focused on developing nations, affordability, sustainable development, the construction industry, and the developing globe. In addition, the results of this study also successfully mapped opportunities for future research focuses related to building materials, affordable housing, low-income populations, decision-making, and structural design. In conclusion, this study highlights the need for further research on affordable housing development in developing countries to guide policy makers and researchers in developing affordable housing solutions that meet the housing needs of low-income households.

Renovating Space to Age in Place: Experiences of Elderly Residents Living through Public Housing Renovations and Reflections from Affordable Housing Developers

In this article, we explore the experiences of older adults living in public housing undergoing renovations and its associated impacts on their perceived sense of well-being. We also consider the ways in which affordable housing developers contemplate residents’ health and wellness into renovation plans and processes. Following the conventions of hermeneutic analysis, we conducted open-ended in-depth interviews with older adults living in public housing undergoing renovations (n = 21) and representatives of a variety of affordable housing developers (n = 12). Our analysis demonstrates that residents had strong attachments to their individual living spaces prior to renovations and were fiercely protective of them. Renovations created a sense of unease among older residents as the familiar features of their homes were altered. The processes and the outcomes of renovations and new management strategies raised fears that their lived environments were becoming institutionalized. Developers acknowledged that a tension exists between residents’ desires for personalized private space, and their responsibilities as landlords to prioritize the physical safety of residents and the fiduciary obligations to maintain building longevity.

Modelling Housing Demand Factors for Affordable Units in Malaysia

The Malaysian government is prioritizing the development of affordable housing units to cater to the needs of the underprivileged. However, it is not sufficient to merely meet the required number of units; it is crucial for developers to understand the actual demand for affordable housing in urban areas. This is because even middle-class homebuyershave their own preferences when it comes to purchasing a home at an affordable price. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the current demand attributes that contribute to the affordable housing demand model in urban areas, using Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia asa case study. Data was collected from 400 potential buyers of affordable housing units, and 25 significant attributes of housing demand were examined. Partial Least Square Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to develop the housing demand model. The findings revealed that a total of five factors with nine attributes in housing demand significantly contribute to the affordable housing demand model in urban areas, as determined by the coefficient’sdetermination, path coefficient, effect size, and predictive relevance towards endogenous variables of housing demand.Overall, the result has confirmed that government intervention has play major role in supporting affordable housing development and at the same time has encourage the potential buyer form the right group to have their own house at affordable price.

Can TODs Include Affordable Housing?

Problem, research strategy, and findings Inclusion of affordable housing in transit-oriented developments (TODs) is necessary for addressing the mobility and shelter needs of transit-dependent and low-income populations. Affordable housing in TODs, however, remains scarce despite state-level policies, interest group advocacy, and developer enthusiasm. We used a multiple case study method and focused on TOD areas in communities with disadvantaged populations in Southern California to examine barriers to and opportunities for affordable housing. We examined the contents of specific plans adopted by local governments to facilitate TODs around 10 selected transit stations in Los Angeles and Orange counties and conducted interviews with planners, policymakers, and developers involved in achieving affordable housing. Our findings indicated that although TOD specific plans permitted higher-density developments, they neither prioritized affordable housing nor presented a coherent vision for an inclusive transit community that would address the needs of different types of households. Moreover, onerous requirements for securing subsidies, patchwork financing, uncertainties in the approval process, and competition from market-rate housing inhibited affordable housing development. Although we did not analyze community opposition to TODs, it was hinted at by our interviewees. Takeaway for practice Targeting affordable housing in TODs, providing incentives, and strengthening the institutional framework are critical to achieving inclusive transit communities. The development of TODs in a politically fragmented region like Southern California necessitates a lead organization to procure affordable housing investments and strengthen the housing–transportation nexus. We note broader implications of the findings beyond California.

The Barriers in Adopting Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) Development: An Article Review

The insistence to have guidelines on Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) development has gained substantial courtesy in recent years due to the vast needs for affordable houses and increasing awareness of environmental concerns especially in most developing countries. The affordable housing development in Malaysia has been progressively improving since the Eleventh Malaysia Plan (11th Malaysia Plan) commencement, which focuses on increasing the affordability and accessibility of housing within low and middle-income groups, especially in urban areas. However, in order to achieve proper urban development, affordable housing must also be sustainable. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to analyse the barriers in adopting SAH from the perspectives of developers, householders, and Governments. The objective of this study also is to draft out the barrier indicators pertaining to SAH development. This extended literature review research applied the Content Analysis Method which analysed 12 articles on the challenges of integrating affordable houses into sustainable houses by various authors in different countries and with diverse legislative practices. The findings consist of six (6) main barriers and thirty-seven (37) challenges from the perspectives of the main participants (developers, householders, and the Governments) of SAH development. The result revealed that the financial, expertise and technology, education, knowledge and awareness, accessibility and land use planning, enforcement and initiatives, land assessment, and land cost are the main barriers in implementing SAH development. The findings of this research will provide a comprehensive understanding of the limitations that hinder the widespread adaptation of SAH development initiatives. The future research will underscore the verification and validation of SAH development indicators from the main participants to initiate strategic planning on SAH developments. Ultimately, addressing the barriers will contribute to the realisation and potential of sustainable affordable housing options for all.

МЕХАНІЗМИ РОЗВИТКУ ЖИТЛОВОГО БУДІВНИЦТВА

The article describes the essence, content and functions of the mechanisms for the revival of housing construction in Ukraine. Its development and implementation envisages the revival of the country, the multifaceted socio-economic development of settlements, the improvement of the demographic situation, and the appeal to man as the main source of the nation's wealth. It has been proven that all European countries have gone through a long process of reforming and developing the construction industry, applying new investment technologies and stimulating the development of this direction of the economy, combining state support, the mortgage lending mechanism and other types of construction support. In the economy of our country, many variants of management mechanisms are used - economic, ecological, market, social, organizational, organizational-economic and others. After the full-scale invasion, almost all developers stopped construction, some for several weeks, some did not continue construction at all. It was determined that in 2022 the total area of ready-made apartments amounted to 7.1 million square meters. m (18.3 thousand private houses and 74.3 thousand apartments), which is 38% less than in 2021. It has been proven that in Ukraine it is not enough to stimulate the development of the construction industry at the state level, it is important to create conditions for the development of a competitive environment, to introduce effective financial and credit mechanisms for the purchase of construction materials. The construction industry should be based on trust in the banking sector of the economy and stimulate the development of affordable rental housing for the low-income population and internally displaced persons. We believe that the housing market in Ukraine is currently in a recovery phase. The prospect of its development requires the creation of an effective organizational and economic mechanism, as well as the implementation of state support for the provision of social housing for the population of the region and those forced to leave their place of residence. Development of mechanisms and means of housing construction, economic stabilization and revival of the country require further development and scientific research

Co-producing affordable housing futures: tools for community participation

Archio interviewed by Dhruv Sookhoo and Ava LynamKyle Buchanan and Mellis Haward, directors of architectural practice Archio, reflect on their experience developing a toolkit of practices that facilitate co-design of community-led housing.In this interview, Buchanan and Haward examine the participatory approaches that Archio adopts to negotiate the delivery of enhanced housing outcomes [1]. They describe building trust with residents by interpreting their lived experiences and aspirations through architectural knowledge and practices. Discussion focuses on the co-production of design artefacts as tools that enable community stakeholders to negotiate shared ambitions for their neighbourhood within community-based development and regulatory processes (e.g. development management).In 2016, Archio was invited by London Community Land Trust and Citizens UK to compete for the opportunity to design and deliver eleven affordable homes on a disused garage site at Brasted Close, in Lewisham, London [2]. Unusually, a “Pick an Architect” workshop was held on the development site, where the public was able to evaluate prospective architectural teams for their ability to engage future residents and neighbouring communities in the collective examination of fundamental socio-spatial aspects of the project. Archio’s successful approach at the pioneering community land trust at Brasted Close anticipated their development of a toolkit of practices that emphasise collaboration during community-led development of affordable housing. These design tools were refine through use across a series of later commissions including a co-housing project at Angel Yard, Norwich and a resident-led estate regeneration scheme at Astley Estate, Southwark.