South Africa has delivered some 3.5 million subsidised houses since 1994. While many people’s shelter needs have been met through this intervention, the security of their tenure remains compromised due to inefficiencies in the administrative and policy framework governing the market. For instance, in some cases, title deeds have not yet been transferred or households have traded their homes informally.
The Transaction Support Centre (TSC) is an action-learning advice centre in a low-income township of Cape Town that engages at the community level to help households undertake formal residential property transactions in the affordable housing market. At the same time, it builds an evidence base that feeds policy reform and the development of new products and services by the private sector. The TSC is a partnership of CAHF and 71point4, a research consultancy.
Funding from Cities Alliance Innovation Programme is helping TSC strengthen its operations and document its approach. The initiative has proven that it is possible to overcome the challenges faced by low income property owners to obtain title deeds, and it counts with strong support from the community, the government and the private sector. The team is now reviewing current funding arrangements and operational requirements to ensure the sustainability and scalability of the TSC.
This 2-page report highlights key lessons learned and achievements so far and provides information on the way forward.
