Urban Housing Dynamics and the Impact of Planning Policies on Supply, Demand, and Affordability | [Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences • 2025]

Author(s):

1. Shi Xu: Department of Real Estate, Yeongsan University,Busan,Korea

Abstract:

Housing affordability in urban centres remains a concern in many jurisdictions around the world due to growth in urbanisation, increasing demand for the commodity, and due to social and economic differences. Within this research, the effects of urban planning policies on the housing supply, demand, and price are explored using the case studies of London, Sydney and Shanghai. These cities have different planning regimes and markets and provide useful lessons on the prospects and problems of urban housing policy. The study follows the acknowledgment that restrictive zoning in London, including green belt controls, restricts the supply of land and thereby increases housing costs even with liberal policies such as density bonuses. In Sydney, there are initial positive signs of inclusionary zoning policies but achieving its application is an issue because of high land prices and irregular application. Speculative investments and rising city status have made houses expensive within Shanghai even when house supply is high and through measures such as a ban on multiple house purchases. In all three cities, the issue of the high cost of housing continues to be a major concern because the costs of houses are far higher than the income being generated in the market. According to the study, those policies should be aimed at correcting supply-demand relations, moderating speculation and encouraging the construction of affordable housing in the long term. About sustainability and inclusion important components of the approach to urban housing are discussed. The findings of this study will help policymakers formulate relevant public policies that would help to increase access to adequate housing across the globe and help to reduce the growing problem of affordable housing in urban areas.

Page(s): 5769-5785

DOI: 10.57239/PJLSS-2025-23.1.00452

Published: Journal: Pakistan Journal of Life and Social Sciences, Volume: 23, Issue: 1, Year: 2025

Keywords:

Housing affordability Urbanisation Urban planning policies Housing costs Land prices Supplydemand relations Sustainability and policymakers

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