Housing plays a special role in the social and political dialogue in most societies. It is a major component in creating stable and healthy communities and is often the largest single category of household expense. It is a very visible indicator of social conditions. Because housing finance is both a key part of the financial sector and a key method for enabling households to expand their effective demand for housing, it has become a focus of attention among policymakers worldwide. Since the late 1980s, the discussion has emphasized the development of sustainable private housing finance systems, with the government playing an enabling role in expanding their reach [World Bank, 1992].

The theme of this paper is how the private, public and non-profit sectors can partner to enhance the finance of housing for lower-income households. This is a broad and all-encompassing topic and this paper will attempt to provide a framework for approaching the topic along with examples of successful partnerships.