Sustainable Solutions to Land Scarcity for Social Housing in South African Cities

Land scarcity near economic hubs in South Africa poses significant challenges to developing inclusive and sustainable cities, particularly for social housing. The purpose of this research is to explore practical strategies to address land shortages and high costs while promoting social housing within proximity to urban centres. A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with housing development experts from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Tshwane. The study used thematic analysis to identify recurring themes from expert perspectives. The key findings reveal five actionable strategies: (i) public-private partnerships (PPPs) for land acquisition, (ii) long-term municipal land leases, (iii) repurposing decayed buildings into low-income housing, (iv) integrating social housing into mixed-use developments, and (v) implementing government tax incentives for social housing in greenfield projects. These strategies emphasize leveraging existing urban spaces, innovative financing, and policy interventions to reduce development costs and foster inclusivity. The study concludes that overcoming land scarcity for social housing requires a multi-stakeholder approach integrating urban planning, innovative financial models, and regulatory support. By adopting these strategies, municipalities can mitigate spatial inequality, reduce commuting distances, and enhance the quality of life for low-income residents. Future research should focus on assessing the long-term viability and scalability of these interventions.