The urban housing market has shifted

This article argues that South Africa’s current housing policy is outdated because it continues to focus on large-scale, low-density housing developments on the urban periphery, despite growing demand for well-located, affordable rental housing within cities. The authors highlight a housing shortfall of 2.2 million units and show how township rental markets, backyard apartments, and small-scale property developments are increasingly providing affordable accommodation while generating income, jobs, and local economic growth. They contend that government should shift toward a demand-led, high-density, “lots of small” housing approach by supporting informal settlement upgrading, issuing title deeds, formalising property transactions, investing in urban infrastructure, expanding social housing, and reducing regulatory barriers. The article’s central argument is that strengthening urban property markets and enabling lower-income households to use housing as an economic asset can promote more inclusive, efficient, and economically productive cities.

Abstract based on original source.