ASSESSING THE POLICIES AND PROGRAMS OF PROVIDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN EGYPT

Abstract

Thesis abstract: Housing is a basic human need like food, clothing and a basic human right that is guaranteed by all legislations and constitutions; therefore, there is always a need for a firm policy that aims to solve the accumulating housing problems. The state of the production of housing in Egypt indicates that the problem is centered around the middle and lower segments while an oversupply for the upper segments dominates the housing market. Thus, the problem always related to the affordability of housing not the availability. There are different measurements in order to consider the housing affordable, this thesis will discuss the affordability status in Egypt through the housing affordability index, which can be measured through three different types (price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, percentage of income spent on housing). The research identifies the main aspects responsible for achieving an affordable housing system. Depending on these aspects an analysis for the housing policies over the past decades is carried out to reach the specific reasons behind the affordability status for the middle and low-income segments in Egypt nowadays. Furthermore, the research assesses the government housing programs for low-income residents and the affordability of these programs for the target groups depending on the third type of measurement within the housing affordability index (percentage of income spend on housing).