Social housing is a government-subsidized rental housing option that provides affordable homes to families in urban areas. Accredited Social Housing Institutions (SHIs) own and manage these housing opportunities, offering accessible living spaces in prime locations close to urban centers.
To qualify for this program, applicants must meet specific criteria, including being registered on the City’s Housing Needs Register and earning below R22,000 in household income per month. The City’s Housing Needs Register ensures opportunities are distributed fairly and in an orderly manner. Applicants need not pay any fees to join the register or secure subsidized housing opportunities. The registry is protected, updated, and audited to prevent queue jumping and ensure equitable access to housing across the city.
Nine social housing developments have been built across the metro, resulting in more than 3,500 social housing opportunities. The city’s dedication to helping residents access affordable housing in prime locations plays a pivotal role in fostering economic inclusion for its working citizens. The Maitland Mews development has recently added an additional 204 units to the existing housing opportunities.
Acting Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Alderman James Vos, encourages eligible households to register on the City’s Housing Needs Register and apply for social housing opportunities. Applicants must pay close attention to the qualifying criteria listed on the City and Western Cape Government websites and contact the relevant Social Housing Institution for their specific requirements.
Social housing institutions rely solely on rental income and receive no operational grants. Through rental income, they can service the developments’ debt finance. Tenants enter into formal lease agreements with the landlord, which is the SHI. Tenants must pay to stay, as the rental money is used for the day-to-day operation and upkeep of the complex. If tenants do not adhere to their lease agreements, the responsible SHI will follow the necessary legal process.
Social housing differs from low-income subsidized government housing, such as Breaking New Ground (commonly called RDP housing) and City Council Rental Units. Managed with 24-hour security and access control, social housing units are often placed strategically in urban areas. The City may sell city-owned land at discounted prices for social housing developments to ensure project feasibility.
Social housing offers improved access to social facilities and other amenities. It adds value to vacant land parcels while potentially improving property values in the area and driving urban regeneration.
For more information and to apply for social housing, visit the Cape Town government’s official website.
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