Perception on Modular Construction for Low-Income Housing in South Africa

Purpose: Modular: Construction is touted as a panacea to low-income housing for its speed in delivery, yet its use is still scanty in those countries that have the greatest shortage of low- income housing. The paper identifies this alternative construction method as a research gap on whether the product can be acknowledged and accepted by built environment stakeholders.Design/Methodology: In depth interviews showed some themes on what delays the implementation of this technology in building the much-needed low-income housing in South Africa.Findings: Results show that developers are ready to embrace non- traditional construction techniques for the development of low-income housing. The main concern raised is that modular construction creates the impression that modular housing are temporary solutions than a permanent solution for the masses. Further, modular housing is associated with low quality and this perception precludes the engagement of the financial sector in financing asupposedly ‘valueless asset’. The finding is that government as a stakeholder is highly likely to embrace modular housing for low-income people should they be persuaded of their value.Practical implications: The paperrecommends more incentives by government for developers to start building good quality examples of modular housing. These examples will have potential to appeal to local communities and help raise awareness of modular construction as a solution to mass production of low-cost housing.