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Unlocking the Potential of Small Scale Rental Housing

A framework for engagement

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Prof Ivan Turok, Dr Andreas Scheba, David Gardner, Dr Andrew Charman, Seth Maqetuka, Ros Gordon

01 September 2023

Research Gate

English

Ivan Turok

Policy brief

Human Sciences Research Council

Africa

This policy brief explores the multifaceted role of Small-Scale Rental Housing (SSRH) in South African cities, shedding light on its contributions to affordability, economic development, and social transformation. SSRH, characterised by single-room units, full dwellings, or two-to-three-storey walk-ups provided by individual owners or small enterprises, represents a dynamic and enterprising township activity. It serves as a source of crucial income for poor homeowners, micro-developers, and black entrepreneurs engaged in property development and related industries, while also sustaining numerous jobs and livelihoods within the townships. However, the government's historic neglect of this informal and unauthorised sector has led to haphazard densification, straining essential infrastructure, community facilities, and social cohesion. This hands-off approach is deemed a missed opportunity to shape sustainable developments, with the risk of overcrowding, congestion, insecurity, public health issues, and social instability.

 

The policy brief advocates for a more supportive government approach to guide and regularise the SSRH sector, attract private investment, and bolster its role in economic recovery, housing delivery, and township resilience. Collaborative efforts by city officials, practitioners, civil society organisations, and researchers provide a strong foundation for crafting an improved regulatory environment and action plan for the future.
 

Abstract based directly on source.

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Affordability

Backyard dwellings

Built environment

Communities

Community development

Construction

Economic development

Economics

Education

Finance

Governance

Health

Housing

Human settlements

Infrastructure

Law

Livelihoods

Policy

Poverty & inequality

Private sector

Public sector

Rental tenure

Service delivery

Social development

South Africa

Stakeholder engagement

Sustainability

Sustainable development

Township economies

Urban

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