International Housing Association Backs Housing Affordability

The International Housing Association (IHA) issued a worldwide call to advance housing affordability, during its 2015 Interim Meeting held recently in Ottawa, Canada.

The Housing Industry Association (HIA), Australia’s peak residential building industry association is a member of the International Housing Association and supports the IHA’s affordability agenda.

“The IHA defines housing affordability as the availability of housing which is reasonably adequate in standard and location for lower or middle income households and does not cost so much that a household is unlikely to be able to meet other basic needs on a sustainable basis,” explained HIA’s Kristin Brookfield.

“As we talk to other housing organisations across the globe, it is clear that there are common issues impacting on affordability, such as taxation on new housing and excessive charges for related infrastructure.”

“Through sharing strategies to address affordability internationally, it is hoped we can all benefit from new approaches and learn from the mistakes of other countries.”

IHA members have agreed will pursue the following actions to help advance housing affordability across the world:* Identify and share common challenges each of our organisations confronts in meeting our individual country’s housing needs.

* Commit to sharing successful strategies implemented to address the above noted challenges shared.

* Exchange knowledge and best practices regarding tools and techniques designed to address the development of housing affordability – prior to construction, during the construction phase and over the life of the structure.

* Address practices which directly and negatively impact housing affordability such as government imposed fees and taxes, and land use restrictions.

* Work individually to mentor and support fellow Member Organisations as they actively address housing affordability challenges locally.

* Use existing industry organisations, associations or interest groups, to further raise international focus on this critical housing need.