Housing policies and programmes

Improved housing policies and programmes are a major component of achieving the goal of adequate shelter for all. The development of efficient, effective and affordable housing delivery systems is an essential element of this objective. It is also important to ensure efficient and equitable systems for management and maintenance of the existing housing stock. Furthermore, it is essential that housing delivery, management and maintenance systems cater for the diversity of needs. This implies a focus on owner-occupation as well as on rental housing. Moreover, it is essential that all relevant stakeholders (including co-operatives, non-governmental and community-based organizations) are involved in the housing development process.

Within its focus area the Housing Policy Section concentrates its normative, advocacy and advisory activities related to:

• Formulation and Implementation of Effective Housing Policies;
• Enabling Shelter Strategies;
• Slum Prevention Policies;
• Upgrading, Maintenance and Management of the Existing Housing Stock;
• Housing Delivery Systems and particularly Financing Affordable Housing Provision;
• Slum Upgrading and Informal Housing Supply Systems;
• Rental Housing;
• Cooperative Housing;
• Housing for Vulnerable Groups;
• Evictions and the Right to Adequate Housing; and
• Sustainable Housing, Sustainable Buildings and Clean Construction Technology.