Types of Affordable Housing in the World

In the United States, there are many types of affordable housing to assist both nationals and immigrants. It is the one country in the world where you’ll find housing for individuals, families, seniors, veterans, and those affected by disabilities.

While you may find community housing programs across the world, there are none quite like the options provided in the United States.

In this guide, we take a closer look at the options for affordable or low-cost housing for families in different parts of the world.

The USA

The US has created affordable housing for those who earn a low income. Income is determined by the median salary or wages for the state or city and any people earning below the median income may qualify for affordable or low-cost housing.

Federal housing programs are run by the HUD or the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It includes public housing, the housing voucher program, shelters, temporary housing, and emergency shelter for those who have been displaced after a disaster.

In the US, those who earn a low income, which includes individuals earning $12 to $16 an hour, can access federal mortgages which include reduced interest rates and special qualifying criteria.

There are certainly a great number of opportunities for those who want to find housing they can afford and prevent living on the streets. The only downside is that the waiting list for staying in public housing is incredibly long. Some people and families have to wait for 5 to 7 years to get approved.

South Africa

South Africa has a long history of impoverished communities with many people living in makeshift "shacks" without access to running water and basic sanitation. While the US offers specialized departments aimed at making housing more accessible to affected communities, SA continues to struggle with funding to make these housing programs a reality for all.

In the last decade, attempts have been made to provide more people with housing but again owing to a lack of resources and funding, many seniors and families are on waiting lists for years in the hopes of accessing an affordable house to rent or to own.

For low to mid-income earners, large apartment developments have become popular in the last 4 to 5 years. Local councils have focused on developing large-scale rental properties with offers including the first month free to attract more people to modest apartment units in the heart of the city.

UK

In the UK, affordable housing supply consists of affordable rentals, social rentals, and intermediate housing. These low-cost housing programs are provided to individuals and families who cannot meet their basic needs and require assistance with housing.

Both local authorities and private developers are vested in the development of low-cost housing in the country. In England in 2021, approximately 52 000 homes were made available to qualifying households; however, there are still many people living on the streets because of issues such as a lack of affordability.

What We Know So Far

Affordable housing is a combination of a lack of government funding and resources to help people who simply don’t earn enough to afford their rent but it is also influenced by societal problems such as substance dependence, domestic violence, and a lack of knowledge of housing that is available to qualifying groups.

To help more people, a multi-faceted approach to the affordable housing sector and society must be undertaken or the perpetual cycle of dysfunction and a lack of affordability will continue to affect the lives of communities at large.

Psychology graduate and content creator