Improved housing policies and programmes are a major component of achieving the goal of adequate shelter for all. The development of efficient, effective and affordable housing delivery systems is an essential element of this objective. It is also important to ensure efficient and equitable systems for management and maintenance of the existing housing stock. Furthermore, it is essential that housing delivery, management and maintenance systems cater for the diversity of needs. This implies a focus on owner-occupation as well as on rental housing. Moreover, it is essential that all relevant stakeholders (including co-operatives, non-governmental and community-based organizations) are involved in the housing development process.

HPDS work within this focus area is concentrated around normative, advocacy and advisory activities related to:

• Formulation and implementation of effective housing policies;
• Upgrading, maintenance and management of existing housing stock;
• More efficient and effective delivery of affordable housing;
• Linkages between shelter and income generation;
• Rental housing;
• Co-operative housing; and
• Special needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.