Affordable Housing Assessment:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a multiracial society with diverse housing and a potential real estate market. This study focused on users’ perceptions of the designs of available and affordable private housing stock in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, which are the most populated states (emirates) of the UAE. A literature review and case studies of low- to medium-rise residential buildings were used to determine the parameters defining affordable housing design, and a model was developed of 7 design segments (independent variables) with 39 dependent variables.
The model consists of a matrix of 39 design variables, in which each variable is set in a survey tool with a Likert scale to evaluate user satisfaction levels with the designs of their respective buildings. Questionnaires were distributed among the inhabitants of several buildings at different locations in the Emirates. This study found that 16 anomalous design factors failed to satisfy users.
It is likely that the results of this study will provide a blueprint for dialogue between regional building designers and end users to improve the designs of new buildings. The resulting design assessment matrix can be used for the analysis of residential buildings in other parts of the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an important member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It is a unique country because of its multinational, harmonious culture. It is home to people from 180 countries, and this fact is a driving force for the growth of its economic and real estate markets. Many countries have recorded slow or negative economic growth because of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, the UAE has seen steady growth. In general, people from neighboring Asian countries consider it to be a safe and secure option for investment.
Stable economic growth and development always increase the demand for comfortable living and working environments. The UAE’s multicultural society and population influxes set high demands for diverse types of housing and design solutions. Dubai is a major city in the UAE and defines standards and trends for economic growth. Statistics show that during 2020, the real estate market had a supply of 690,498 housing units (apartments and villas) in Dubai alone, whereas the overall growth in housing demand in the UAE is approximately 50,000–60,000 housing units per year. Increasing costs of materials, and construction and global slowdowns affect housing affordability.
Affordability is a term for affordable housing or social housing introduced to define the type of housing intended for less well-off sections of the population. In the United Kingdom and some other European countries, affordable housing refers to housing for specific income groups, as defined by the national government. The threshold of affordability varies from region to region, but affordable housing is generally classified as residences for low- to middle-income groups of society.
In developing countries, the concept of affordable housing is defined as basic houses for economically weaker sectors, or homes at affordable prices for low-income groups. The USA Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has provided a comprehensive definition of affordable housing. It defines an “affordable dwelling” as a house rented, or mortgaged, for 25–30% of the resident’s monthly income.
The rule of thumb is that housing is affordable if low-income households spend less than 30% of their income on housing. Therefore, mass housing projects are affordable, provided they meet the affordability criteria/requirements. The concept of the “Grow Home” is equated with affordable housing. In principle, the concept was established to encourage families to have their own homes. Livable, pleasant housing is a fundamental requirement for people. Two factors are important for making housing affordable for most people. First, it should not be luxurious; second, it should not be used for a commercial activity.