South Africa faces a shortfall in its provision of housing for low-income households. This study explores the potential to use public-private partnerships(PPP) to address these supply problems. A review of the housing market and an examination of the opportunities and challenges presented by PPP are presented, including a review of the international experience in the provision of social housing. Interviews with key stakeholders are undertaken to evaluate the appropriateness of PPP in the South African social housing sector. PPP is believed to have the potential to increase the supply of social housing, provided there is continuing support from the state.