GOOD LAND POLICIES

Housing is central to people’s lives, health, dignity, safety, and their neighbourhoods. Housing also contributes significantly to social solidarity, environmental sustainability, and economic stability. In the 21st century, the governance, land and finance systems that influence the delivery and consumption of housing have been beset by numerous crises. Emanating from climate change, unguided investment flows, and most recently, a global pandemic, these crises have had profound consequences for the people and the planet.

Policymakers have the responsibility to shape more resilient housing systems and ensure that decent homes and neighbourhoods are affordable, safe and accessible, thereby implementing the SDGs by 2030, meeting the Paris Agreement climate goals and realising the Right to Adequate Housing. Progress can be accelerated with high level support and long-term commitment. Governments can drive action to address housing and related concerns, supported by capable and dedicated policy designers, experts and informed advocates.

#Housing2030 offers key policy stakeholders, such as housing ministers and mayors, the tools to shape more inclusive and sustainable housing systems, together with the households and communities they serve. To provide focus to and momentum for housing policy reforms, and meet the SDGs by 2030, #Housing2030 report makes the following recommendations:

Establish a purposeful vision, articulating desired urban development committed to social inclusion and sustainability, via long-term strategic plans, land banking activities, and development promotion and regulation;
Ensure sufficient affordable and social housing is planned for and facilitated via strategic planning, land use and allocation as well as development approval policies;
Engage in land markets directly and purposefully to ensure affordable and sustainable residential development takes place, through purposeful site acquisition, land adjustment, conditional sale, and lease processes, as well as strong cooperation with affordable housing providers and residents;
Ensure taxation instruments support and promote affordable, adequate and sustainable housing outcomes;
Promote innovation and best practices in affordable, climate-neutral residential development among land developers, planners, house builders, housing providers and residents.

LAND POLICY TOOLS