Housing is still a point of contention in South Africa. For a country that has gone through decades of segregation and wealth disparities, the government has taken the responsibility of bridging the housing gap and ensuring that every South African has access to affordable housing.
The government is also responsible for setting housing policies and delivery goals. They also monitor the local government’s implementation of housing policies
There have been several housing programs that the government has rolled out in the past years. Here are the following housing projects in existence;
Government subsidy housing
Community Residential Units
Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme
Emergency Housing Programme
Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme.
Social Housing
These housing programs are available for all South Africans. However, there are requirements to qualify for any of these housing programs. Here is what to do;
Register with your local municipality or the Department of Human Settlements in your province.
Be 18 years and above
Be a South African citizen with an official ID as proof. If you are a foreign resident, you must have a permanent residency permit.
Proof of monthly income
You will be given proof of registration and listed in the Housing Demand Database. Once a new housing project is built you will be notified so you can move in.
What you should know about government housing
Government subsidy housing
These are houses built for low-income families and these families will own them forever. To qualify for subsidy housing, you must meet all the National Housing Subsidy Scheme requirements.
Community Residential Units and Housing Programme (CRU)
All households with a monthly income of R3,500 or less are qualified for the Community Residential Units and Housing Programme. Unlike government subsidy housing, you do not have ownership of the house but will pay rent to your local municipality. This housing program renovates inner-city buildings and hostels.
Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme (UISP)
Instead of housing, this program provides social utilities like water, good roads and electricity. To be eligible for UISP funding, you must meet all the National Housing Subsidy Scheme requirements.
“Gap” housing
This housing program is for individuals or families that earn R3,500 but less than R22,000 per month. You can also access state-funded housing initiatives like the Financed Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP).
