7 Housing Affordability and Productivity: The Socioeconomic Case for Inclusive Urban Housing Policies in Malaysia
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Hong Qing Yeng
Abstract
How can a broader understanding of policies aimed at affordable housing, integrating socioeconomic aspects, start to encompass the indirect impacts on productivity and wellbeing? This chapter outlines the concept of housing and explores the interconnections among housing, productivity, health and wellbeing that policymakers should consider. Additionally, we examine existing research on the socioeconomic spillover effects and externalities of housing on individuals, households, and the broader economy. Key insights from research on housing’s multidimensional impacts highlight that the economic burden of inadequate affordable housing extends to increased health costs and lower productivity, showing the intricate links between housing, health, and socioeconomic wellbeing. Efforts to improve housing liveability and affordability are crucial for mitigating these impacts. Policy implications stress the need for integrated approaches that consider housing as a driver of various socioeconomic outcomes. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive strategies that enhance housing accessibility and quality while recognising the broader implications for societal wellbeing and economic resilience. Future research should focus on understanding the nuanced interactions between housing, health, and productivity to inform effective policy interventions and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Abstract
How can a broader understanding of policies aimed at affordable housing, integrating socioeconomic aspects, start to encompass the indirect impacts on productivity and wellbeing? This chapter outlines the concept of housing and explores the interconnections among housing, productivity, health and wellbeing that policymakers should consider. Additionally, we examine existing research on the socioeconomic spillover effects and externalities of housing on individuals, households, and the broader economy. Key insights from research on housing’s multidimensional impacts highlight that the economic burden of inadequate affordable housing extends to increased health costs and lower productivity, showing the intricate links between housing, health, and socioeconomic wellbeing. Efforts to improve housing liveability and affordability are crucial for mitigating these impacts. Policy implications stress the need for integrated approaches that consider housing as a driver of various socioeconomic outcomes. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive strategies that enhance housing accessibility and quality while recognising the broader implications for societal wellbeing and economic resilience. Future research should focus on understanding the nuanced interactions between housing, health, and productivity to inform effective policy interventions and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Preface V
- Contents VII
- List of Figures IX
- List of Tables XI
- Acronyms XIII
- 1 Introduction 1
- 2 Measuring Home Affordability: Challenges and Directions Forward 5
- 3 Beyond the 30% Threshold: Introducing a Subjective Indicator for Measuring Housing Affordability in Malaysia 27
- 4 Housing (Un)affordability: Reality and Challenges from the Property Developers’ Perspective 57
- 5 The State and Performance of Affordable Government Housing Initiatives in Malaysia 77
- 6 Understanding Access and Accessibility: The State of Transportation Infrastructure and Affordable Housing in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya 97
- 7 Housing Affordability and Productivity: The Socioeconomic Case for Inclusive Urban Housing Policies in Malaysia 123
- 8 Conclusion and the Way Forward 143
- About the Authors 151
- Index 155
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Preface V
- Contents VII
- List of Figures IX
- List of Tables XI
- Acronyms XIII
- 1 Introduction 1
- 2 Measuring Home Affordability: Challenges and Directions Forward 5
- 3 Beyond the 30% Threshold: Introducing a Subjective Indicator for Measuring Housing Affordability in Malaysia 27
- 4 Housing (Un)affordability: Reality and Challenges from the Property Developers’ Perspective 57
- 5 The State and Performance of Affordable Government Housing Initiatives in Malaysia 77
- 6 Understanding Access and Accessibility: The State of Transportation Infrastructure and Affordable Housing in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya 97
- 7 Housing Affordability and Productivity: The Socioeconomic Case for Inclusive Urban Housing Policies in Malaysia 123
- 8 Conclusion and the Way Forward 143
- About the Authors 151
- Index 155
