Housing is an essential element for the economic growth and development of a country. An effective and efficient housing provision would not only contribute to the rapid economic growth but also provide a link between the corporeal growths of a community-built environment and its social outcomes [1]. This is due to the fact that the socio-economic stability of a country is always dependent on the housing affordability of the residents in the country. Malaysia is of no exception when it comes to deal with housing development. Through the National Housing Policy, extensive laws covering sustainable development of physical, economic, environmental and social aspects in housing were created [2]. The housing policy in Malaysia has evolved over the years through a number of national development plans. The objectives of the policy are to provide affordable and adequate housing, mainly to the low-income group. Nevertheless, most of the citizens are excluded from the housing assistance programme as they are classified under the middle-income group.

Sustainable development and affordable housing are some of the challenges Malaysia and many other developing countries are experiencing. Majority of the population which comes from the middle-income group found difficulties in purchasing an affordable house and living in sustainable communities. Hence, in response to the Malaysian government’s effort in the Eleventh National Plan (2016-2020) for every Malaysian to have equal access to affordable housing with sustainable approaches, the drifts of integrating affordability criteria in sustainable housing development seems vital. It is essential to simultaneously tackle sustainability and affordability housing issues. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) in achieving Sustainable Affordable Housing Scheme from the economic, environmental, and social perspectives for the middle-income group. This study examines issues based on a comprehensive review of journal articles and official reports.