From policy to practice: evaluating residents’ preferences in low-income housing– the case of Mehr and Nehzat Melli projects in Sahand, Iran

Sahand represents a significant context for implementing housing development initiatives, notably the Mehr Housing project and, more recently, the Nehzat Melli Housing project, which aims to meet the demands of low-income populations. This study utilised the Choice Experiment Method to assess the determinants influencing housing preferences. The results reveal that factors such as residential amenities, structural resilience, availability of green spaces and scenic views, energy efficiency, provision of social interaction areas, and landscaping adapted for children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities are critical in the decision-making process for housing selection and purchase. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrates a higher willingness to pay for enhanced home amenities, energy efficiency, and green spaces with appropriate views compared to other evaluated attributes. The residents’ experiences with the earlier Mehr Housing development have not only shaped their expectations but also illuminated significant deficiencies in prior housing policies, prompting a prioritisation of these features within the Nehzat Melli project, despite the associated increase in costs. This evolution underscores the shortcomings of previous housing programmes in adequately addressing the long-term needs and satisfaction of residents.