Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Topic:
Sadaf Fayyaz
I INTRODUCTION
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I.1 WHAT IS LOW COST HOUSING?
By low cost housing, we mean affordable and economic housing for low-income
families can afford to build themselves in their construction through some form of equity
Simply applying the traditional rules of demand and supply, we can know that for the
past two decades, the cost of land has increased. As cost of house and land are
has increased as well. Again saying the land, capital and labor are the inputs. If the cost
of these inputs increases, the supply curve would shift towards left, making the price
high. The substitution effect for a house is weaker (No substitute for a house or shelter).
There is no other option that people can shift towards, except living in rented houses.
I.3 THE NEED FOR A LOW COST HOUSE IN THE GLOBAL CONTEXT
In every country the housing industry is a fundamental and strategic sector linked to
improving the standard of living. Resistant shortages of good and affordable housing
exist all over the world. These shortages are lack of planning, lack of capital, exploitation
of resources and a rapid growth in the population. Lack of resources has greatly
exacerbated this problem Housing problem exist all over the world. World urban
population is growing at a much faster rate than the rural population. Poor housing plans
are life -threatening. Low quality housing and unsafe living conditions are responsible
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for ten million deaths worldwide every year. Also the economics genuine scarcity
problems exist as “Wants and desires are unlimited, but resources are limited”. The
housing problem exist more in developing countries than in the developed countries.
Though developed countries also suffer from this global housing problem, but the
conditions are worse in the developing countries. Two more problems faced by the
Construction and materials costs are increasing every year and the dream of a common
man to own his own house will never come to an end. Inflation also exists in the housing
sector. Due to these reasons, low-income groups have always been unable to erect houses
for themselves.
Problem lies greatly in the development of low cost building materials that appear to
satisfy the production, economic, cultural, safety, health needs imposed by natural
barriers, disaster and lack of resources. Instead of traditional brick models, composite
conventional materials like brick, iron and cement. Models having wood-cement panels
and chops appear to have the potential to satisfy these requirements. Not only this, the
wood cement based material satisfy safety and health needs, as well as cultural
preferences. These models also provide security against decay and fungi.
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II.1 MAJOR CHALLENGES FACED BY LOW COST HOUSES
Basically, low cost housing faces four big housing challenges namely: -
Lack of resources
Insufficient funds
Time Constraint
Shortage of skills
for planning, design, construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of houses is either not
costs are low and quality is superior. Low cost houses should not only be affordable, but
also resistant to natural disasters like cyclones, earthquakes and floods. New techniques
need to be adopted and innovative ideas should be encouraged. Construction costs need
structuring, re-engineering, and re-cycling up to waste management, this cut down in the
costs at each level in constructing a house would have an impact on the overall cost of the
house.
The problem really lies, as income of an individual is low in the developing countries.
The income level is much better in dual earning families, where husband and wife
work together. Where there is one person earning, the income level is quite low.
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II.2.2 HIGH LAND COSTS
Population is increasing at an increased rate. But the land is fixed. This increase
In the demand for land, this ultimately affects the land price.
Banks or retail companies charge high interest rates on mortgage financing. Mortgage
loans and home equity loans are very common, but the initiation process is either too
long or tedious. Also retail banks need certain requirements to be fulfilled completely.
In search of jobs and education, people have moved from villages to cities. This has
messed up cities and the demand for land has increased in the last two decades.
Local manufacturers are reluctant, to use new and cheap building material. They feel
that it is a risk while going for cheap and low cost material.
Since land is short and so infrastructure is. Housing is a basic necessity and a primary
foothold to step out of poverty. The poor infrastructure does not allow transporting
building materials to rural areas. Population is increasing at a much higher rate but
land is fixed.
Poor families or households do not have enough funds to access a simple bank
mortgage policy. Commercial banking does not aim to serve the low-income groups
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actually, but those groups who have sufficient resources to provide collateral for
loans. Some low-income groups are not even able to pay the down payment. The
interest rate that banks offer is also high and an individual cannot afford to pay.
Most of the people are less aware of mortgage and home financing.
• Strategic partnerships
• Research
• Advocacy
It is clear that the housing should be supporting and promoting healthy families and
First, an effective affordable housing policy should preserve and expand the supply of
good quality housing units in order to ensure the availability of decent housing for low-
This is the most obvious objective of an affordable housing policy. For some, it may
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seems the only objective. A good low housing quality program should increase the stock
of housing at any cost. It should ensure that low-income units and moderate-income
residents could afford and ensure the quality of these units. Programs should aim towards
building new units, improving substandard units, and preventing the deterioration and
Expanding the number of affordable units is not the only way to address the housing
housing more affordable and more readily available. For example, programs that
supplement what families can afford to pay for rent, or that provides down payment
assistance to first-time homebuyers, help make existing housing stock more affordable. In
addition, programs that combat discrimination or help families search for housing in the
private market can make the affordable housing that already exists more accessible.
Housing policy is not only about affordable shelter, but also about the health and vitality
limited. Therefore, effective and affordable housing policies should promote racial and
economic diversity in residential neighborhoods so that poor and minority households are
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II.4.4 HELPING HOUSEHOLDS BUILD WEALTH
For most middle- and upper-income households, homeownership is the primary tool for
underserved populations are designed not only to expand access to affordable housing but
also to help households build wealth through ownership of decent housing in thriving
neighborhoods.
Housing can profoundly affect the well being of families. For example, programs to
remove (or cover) lead-based paint can protect children’s health. Eligibility rules for
public housing may discourage unwed fathers from living with their children. Rent
policies may encourage (or discourage) residents from working and earning more
income. And housing developments that offer child-care facilities and after-school
programs may encourage parents to work and help families become more self-sufficient.
The affordable housing programs should “do no harm” to the families that depend on
them. At best, they should strengthen families by protecting their health, encouraging
some people cannot take advantage of affordable housing opportunities without such aid.
might need a housing unit with wheelchair accessibility or on-site staff who can provide
occasional assistance. A frail elderly couple might need daily meals and health
monitoring. And many homeless individuals and families face multiple barriers to find
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and sustain them in permanent housing.
A good and low cost housing takes active part in the growth of communities and cities.
maintained and preserved, and where new housing is built. Housing policy fails if it
housing opportunities near centers of job growth. Thus, an effective housing policy
1) To inform builders throughout the country about low cost housing and its effectiveness
new ideas,
production, certification and application of low cost and innovative housing materials,
4) To present the country wise effective ness of low cost housing strategies,
perspective (for example, country’s location, and the types of natural disasters it is prone
to),
6) To implement all the new ideas within the economic resources available in the
country,
7) To call foreign experts from different construction and building companies in order to
8) To inform common man about the low cost materials through media,
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9) To invite engineers, design experts and architects from all over the world,
10) To inform general public, especially low income groups about the pros and cons of
11) To provide training to masons all over the country in the improved designs and tools
and techniques,
12) To train young people/ graduates as para-architects to provide technical support and
13) A good construction-estimating program will take the dimensions of a site, as well as
the materials needed and costs. To use efficient project management soft wares in the
detection of low project costs. (For example, the expected outcomes, pilot projects and
proper cost estimations under proper and appropriate planning and control). Numerous
programs take much of the guesswork out of creating an estimate by offering a single
application that handles involved. In the case of framing a residential project, a contractor
14) To enter new building materials in the traditional markets and to inform builders
about these,
16) To provide guidelines all over the country for planning and zoning,
18) To allow local communities to designate proper space for housing for various income
groups,
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19) Government should provide subsidies
23) To construct low cost model houses in every state. These houses should be designed
by keeping in view the number of family members in a family or household. For example
a model low cost house for a family of 4 members should be a little bit different from that
The above mentioned points cloud be discussed in more detail. Since low-income groups
and individuals cannot afford to get them financed for a home loan, what they can do is
that they can go for long-term investments. These investments should be expanded over a
individuals. For example an individual gets retired after serving for about thirty or thirty
five years. At that age of life, mortgage financing becomes risky. The average estimated
life of an individual is sixty years. All this heightens the financial risk of any investment
The preference of the poor is another issue. Low-income families can voice their
preferences and gain confidence to invest their resources in home improvement. Also
people may not encourage the low cost housing technology. The visible achievements in
home improvement are another powerful element to demonstrate that change is possible.
Demonstration houses are used to trigger discussion and joint decision-making about
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One of the barriers to low cost housing is securing land for poor, modifying property
Social capital is probably the greatest asset of low-income communities who can achieve
much by joining forces. This is precisely the key breakthrough of micro credit that
replaced traditional loan collateral by social collateral. The South African Homeless
designed to be inclusive for the very poor. It uses collective action as a core strategy to
strengthen communities and enable them to initiate and manage changes in the areas that
they have prioritized such as housing. The core strategy to organize communities is the
creation of daily saving groups whose members, mostly women, learn to trust each other
and build a discipline. Saving groups are then federated at the neighborhood, regional,
On the other hand, low-income groups should be encouraged to join self-help projects
since they are unable to rely completely on government for erecting a house. There can
be great potential if low-income communities and groups are enabled to become self-
reliant. A practical example of this is “mutiroes”. This started in Brazil and other parts of
the world in the early 1980s is based on individuals who come together after work and
during weekends to construct their homes and neighborhoods through mutual self-help
projects because they are unwilling or unable to rely completely on the government.
Despite the fact that this process takes longer than using professional full-time
constructors, this approach enables them to reduce costs and effectively teaches self-
management and other administration skills to the community. Another initiative that
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illustrates this principle is ADAPT in Egypt led by Hany El Miniawy. It leverages locally
ancient building techniques that are more adapted to weather conditions and culture,
Since the individual possess low purchasing power of construction and building material,
they should be informed about the low cost house material in detail. Some model houses
should be constructed so that people can come and have a look at them. They can better
Thinking holistically about how to make the overall housing transaction affordable to
low-income households rather than reducing the cost of individual components such as
cement or labor is critical. Saiban in Pakistan is a remarkable initiative that makes the
leveraging the benefits of informal housing processes. The organization finances the
developed incrementally as each household accumulates the money to pay for them—as
occurs in the informal sector. While leveraging informal processes, the organization also
improves on them by providing secure land tenure and organizing residents to plan and
negotiate for additional services. Security in Saiban settlements is higher; costs of living
are lower; and services are obtained years faster than in comparable informal settlements.
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Streamlining the whole process and switching some of the costs and responsibilities to
clients—an interesting parallel with the Internet revolution that enabled many companies
to rethink their business models by putting customers and partners to work thanks to the
Internet interface, can achieve radical cost reductions. Other strategies to increase the
channels and demand aggregation. Examples from other industries such as e-Choupal, an
ITC-led initiative for small farmers in India, could inspire innovations in housing and
building materials. With regards to housing finance, Grameen was one of the pioneers
and has already enabled the construction of over 600,000 houses in Bangladesh. Unlike
other financial institutions, Grameen ventured into giving housing loans based on the
philosophy that investment in shelter for the poor is productive. Its strategy for providing
housing micro finance profitably uses the same organizational infrastructure that it uses
to make income-generating loans, and restricts eligibility to clients who have developed
successful credit histories for four years to reduce risks associated with housing loan
products.
The things that a low cost housing scheme has to have are: -
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6) The building material used should be prone to natural disasters like cyclones,
implemented.
9) The expected life of a low cost house should be same as that of a high cost house.
10) For very low-income groups, with large households and families, mobile housing
should be introduced.
11) Since this is a new strategy for planners and developers, who wish to work on
SBT process system is a new technology that aims to produce low cost housing for
developing countries. The vision behind the technology is not only to provide low cost
housing, but also to use efficient methods that help in recycle the waste materials and
reuse them in the construction of new buildings. Instead of heavy materials, lightweight-
time?
Proposals and Contracts Are proposals and bids invited?
Clarity of Commitment Involve top decision makers in the project
Valued Engineers Involve valued and experienced project
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II.8 DESIGN RELATED COST FACTORS
long life
These include: -
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III PART 3 PAKISTAN AND LOW COST HOUSING
Bahria town announced a project named Awami villas in 2005. It was a low cost housing
project and aim was to build it in major cities of Pakistan. Bahria Town people aimed to
make 30 thousand villas in Islamabad and 15 thousand in Lahore. These 5-marla villas
would cost from Rupees 350,000 –500,000. The government planned to provide loans to
people to purchase Awami Villas through House Building finance Corporation. Other
facilities like electricity, gas, telephone and water would be made available. Bahria Town
has plans to make low cost houses in other parts of the country as well.
This scheme aims at providing financial support to 7.5 million. The installment period is
spread over a period of 20 years depending on customer‘s age and retirement. Ghar
Orangi is another low cost housing scheme for Karachi. It launched its pilot project in
1980. The pilot project was a success. The Orangi Pilot Project - Research and Training
Institute (OPP-RTI) initiated a housing program using the same research and action
approach. Research was carried out in collaboration with the University of Karachi and
the Dawood College and this established that almost all of the houses in the Orangi
squatter settlement were low quality. After this, 124 local masons have been trained in
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the improved design and construction techniques and the better use of tools and they in
their turn are training their apprentices. Accurate plans and estimates have been provided
According to Pakistan Press International President General Pervez Musharraf has lauded
low cost housing schemes for people belonging to poor and middle class in Karachi and
emphasized these should be imitated throughout the country. State land should be utilized
for housing schemes to the poor people in the country. The residential plots were allotted
to people from poor and middle class in Taiser Town at a cost of Rs. 40,000.
The City District Government Karachi in collaboration with a US-based private company
will construct low-cost housing scheme at Taiser Town on no profit no loss basis to
provide living facilities to the citizens on affordable rates. The important thing of this
scheme is that these houses will be earthquake resistant. The city Nazim stated that these
houses would be completed by 2007. Plots 80 square yards have already been allotted to
people.
To help people get the loan HBFC is contributing equally. A company named Sarid has
offered government t to build low cost houses. A model low cost house has been built.
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This project is low cost in true means that it is resistant to earthquakes and costs Rs. 600
per square foot. The total house completion time is from three to four weeks. The
III.3.2 KCCI
Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) have urged the government to
announce 80 to 200 sq. yards low cost housing schemes in Karachi. The committee
appreciated allowing import of cement to bring down cement prices locally. However, the
committee expressed dismay on the utilization of the scheme and alleged that
manufactures of cement were the main importers of cement. The committee also alleged
that the manufacturers as well as importers of cement are holding the stock to control
House Building Finance Corporation (HBFC) Tuesday has signed an agreement with
inked three with Gwadar Development Authority (GDA) and District Nazim Gwadar for
acres land in Gwadar. HBFC is going to finance GDA's Low-cost Housing Scheme,
being developed for providing shelter to needy and poor people primary the fishermen.
The gap between demand and house availability has to be brought down.
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Expansion of capital territory
Different models, keeping in view the family size and income of people, should be
built.
Meetings and seminars to be arranged all over the country to inform common
By low cost housing we meant build an economic and low cost housing for low income
families and individuals. Erecting a house has been a dream for many years, but now it
has become a basic necessity. Low cost houses are designed in keeping mind the low
income groups of society. In the global context, housing has become a fundamental
industry linked to the standard of living. There are certain barriers to this. World
population has increased but land is fixed. Developing countries are facing more housing
problems than developed countries. Poor planning, lack of resources, poor infrastructure
and increased cost of construction material has proved to be a barrier for erecting a house.
The ultimate solution to housing problem is to introduce low cost housing. Instead of
traditional brick and cement, cheap and durable construction material would be used. Not
only this, the wood cement based material satisfy safety and health needs, as well as
cultural preferences. These models also provide security against decay and fungi.
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The big challenges towards a low cost house are lack of resources, insufficient funds time
A low cost house should not only be cheap, but also be prone to natural disasters like
floods, rain, earthquakes and cyclones. Some barriers to low cost housing include low
income of people, low purchasing power, and local construction firms’ issues, increased
costs of land, less awareness among public about housing scheme, high interest rates on
mortgage financing, deficiency of low cost building material and increased urbanization.
Next the government has to play a positive role in making public aware about low cost
housing schemes. The government can achieve this by providing direct funding and
To inform builders throughout the country about low cost housing and its
effectiveness
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To disseminate up-to-date information, knowledge and experience on design,
materials
To present the country wise effective ness of low cost housing strategies
geographical perspective
To inform common man about the low cost materials through media
To invite engineers, design experts and architects from all over the world
To inform general public, especially low income groups about the pros and
To provide training to masons all over the country in the improved designs and
The specific cost factors prevail in design, operational and maintenance of a low cost
house.
Bahria town came as an n entrepreneur. Their project Awami villas is a practical example
of this. The role of HBFC is also promoting. They have introduced schemes like GHAR
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AASAAN. Orangi is another low cost housing project for residents of Karachi.
According to Pakistan Press International President General Pervez Musharraf has lauded
low cost housing schemes for people belonging to poor and middle class in Karachi and
emphasized these should be replicated throughout the country. Also, The City District
low-cost housing scheme at Taiser Town on no profit no loss basis to provide living
facilities to the citizens on affordable rates. House Building Finance Corporation (HBFC)
Tuesday has signed an agreement with inked three with Gwadar Development Authority
(GDA) and District Nazim Gwadar for design, development and construction of small
V CONCLUSION
From the above discussion, it is clear that a house is not a luxury but a basic necessity.
individual to plan and design a house, keeping in view his income level, size of family
inform him on the type of low and resistant material available in abundant. It is also the
responsibility of government to keep common man updated about different low and
cheap housing technology. Different low cost housing schemes are being launched in
most of the countries. So the individuals must keep themselves updated on new housing
schemes. It is again the duty of the government to make sure that that low cost housing
schemes are resistant to natural disasters and have a useful life of about thirty to thirty-
five years. Again, the government should make sure that the new low cost housing
schemes work accordingly and aim to provide good health and sanitation to its residents.
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