Exploring preferences for affordable housing criteria importance among EWS in India

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide affordable housing to economically weaker section (EWS). The enormity of India’s housing affordability problem has led the authors to study and analyze the criteria delaying an affordable housing for EWS. The issues affecting supply and demand for affordable housing in Indian urban areas for EWS are analyzed. Design/methodology/approach - The judgment sampling is used among housing and planning experts working in five different sectors, including local authorities, housing developers, housing sectors, town planning and property/affordable housing consultants. The study has established the problem and acknowledged 30 factors behind it. A total of 349 questionnaires were administered among the housing experts in 4 states of India. Descriptive statistical method was used to determine the significance of criteria. Findings - A complete structure of criteria signifying housing affordability, established by the authors, is validated and analyzed in this paper. The questionnaire surveys were conducted with housing and planning experts across the four states of India to determine household perceptions on the criteria contributing to housing affordability and to rank these criteria according to their importance. The study establishes that the experts’ views on this issue differ insignificantly across different states of India, while they differ in certain levels depending on the urban area. Practical implications - To build successful societies for the future, the authors wish to draw closer on affordability issues for EWS. The suggestions prominent information to investors, and real estate firms, which could assistance ecological growth of housing projects that are affordable. Originality/value - Based on the examination of the ranking and greatness of housing criteria, this paper further suggests possible developments for EWS in India.