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A Neglected Aspect of the Housing Market

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  • Katherine V. Gough
  • Paul Yankson

Abstract

In housing markets in sub-Saharan Africa, construction is predominantly undertaken by individuals rather than by the state or private companies. Due to lack of housing finance, the construction process takes many years hence owners often engage live-in caretakers to protect their property. Based on fieldwork conducted in peri-urban Accra, this paper explores why the demand for caretakers arises, why there is a supply of caretakers, who the caretakers are and their living conditions. Although life as a caretaker is far from ideal, the demand for and supply of caretakers are likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Caretaking is a form of housing tenancy which is overlooked in housing and labour laws and practices, and hence demands more attention from both researchers and policy-makers.

Suggested Citation

  • Katherine V. Gough & Paul Yankson, 2011. "A Neglected Aspect of the Housing Market," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 48(4), pages 793-810, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:48:y:2011:i:4:p:793-810
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098010367861
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kenneth G. Willis & Stephen Malpezzi & A. Graham Tipple, 1990. "An Econometric and Cultural Analysis of Rent Control in Kumasi, Ghana," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 27(2), pages 241-257, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Esson, James & Gough, Katherine V. & Simon, David & Amankwaa, Ebenezer F. & Ninot, Olivier & Yankson, Paul W.K., 2016. "Livelihoods in motion: Linking transport, mobility and income-generating activities," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 55(C), pages 182-188.
    2. John E. K. Akubia & Antje Bruns, 2019. "Unravelling the Frontiers of Urban Growth: Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Land-Use Change and Urban Expansion in Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana," Land, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-23, August.

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