Measuring Ownership Housing Affordability of Middle-Income

Housing is considered one of the most important urban issues in both developed and developing countries. Housing problems, visible or not, are largely centered on affordability. This problem is severe in the metropolitan areas, especially in the capital city of Dhaka. Housing affordability means the ability to afford housing. Every household should be able to afford a decent home without impairing their ability to spend on other necessities. Though middle-income groups of Dhaka have performed the core economic activities of the country; yet, surprisingly, they are the most neglected sector of the community.

They suffer from inadequate, unaffordable housing and community facilities, among other problems. The housing affordability problems of that group did not get proper attention either in academic research or in policy formulation. There is however little research focusing on the middle-income group and different housing provisions based on their real affordability.

Housing affordability of middle-income groups is decreasing day by day. Enabling the moderate-income groups to afford an acceptable housing standard is a major concern (Chowdhury, 2013). Affordable housing is very necessary for the planned growth of a city. But without knowing the correct affordability scenario, further steps to reduce affordability problems cannot be taken. So, measuring housing affordability is important for a sustainable city.

Also Read: Sustainability of Low-Income Housing Approaches in Bangladesh