Making affordable rental housing unaffordable: Evaluating the impacts of the centralized leasing in Shenzhen, China

This study critically examines Shenzhen's centralized leasing initiatives aimed at transforming urban villages into Affordable Rental Housing (ARH) to address housing affordability for migrant workers. By analyzing three cases—the Ningmeng Talented Apartment (government-led), the Wancun Plan (private enterprise-led), and the V-town Apartment (state-owned enterprise-led)—the research highlights the complexities of balancing state intervention, market forces, and social objectives. Despite intentions to improve living conditions, these initiatives have often resulted in unaffordable rents, displacement of low-income residents, and exacerbation of social inequalities. The projects illustrate the limitations of both market-driven and state-led models in achieving inclusive housing policies. The study underscores the need for comprehensive approaches that prioritize the needs of all migrant tenants, suggesting that without careful management and policy adjustments, such redevelopment efforts may inadvertently perpetuate social stratification and undermine the goals of urban inclusivity and equity. • Centralized leasing in Shenzhen has unintentionally raised housing unaffordability. • Low-income tenants face displacement due to these centralized leasing policies. • Living costs have increased as a consequence of Shenzhen's leasing strategies.