Comparative Analysis of Non-Profit Housing Legal Frameworks in five countries

This publication highlights the critical global issue of inadequate housing affecting over 1.8 billion people globally, with more than a billion living in informal settlements. UN-Habitat's 'Housing at the centre' initiative, launched in 2015, prioritises people and human rights in sustainable urban development policies, aiming to ensure inclusive housing solutions for all. Emphasising the need for a comprehensive framework for affordable housing, the report advocates for collaborative efforts across socio-economic backgrounds to foster safe communities, strong economies, and vibrant social environments, thus unlocking the transformative potential of this framework.

Furthermore, the document presents a comparative analysis of the non-profit housing sector in five countries, including Austria, Brazil, England, the Netherlands, and South Africa, showcasing exemplary legal frameworks for a robust and sustainable social housing sector. UN-Habitat's objective is to encourage the involvement of non-profit organisations in providing social housing, thereby addressing urban housing needs and narrowing the affordability gap. The publication not only provides guidance for countries to strengthen their legal frameworks to facilitate the participation of non-profit organisations in the housing sector but also proposes new governance frameworks to support this objective. It includes a country checklist to assist in assessing internal housing needs, existing policies, legal frameworks, and financial resources, serving as a systematic guide for legislative, policy, and institutional reforms in this area.

Abstract based directly on source.