Exploring housing infrastructure attributes to attract knowledge workers to mid-sized cities in the global south

Abstract Knowledge workers choose cities based on economic opportunities, infrastructure, quality of life, and housing. While housing remains an attraction, and the influence of its attributes and strategies for developing housing according to the preferences of knowledge workers in major cities is studied, the mid-sized cities in the Global South remain underexplored. This study examined housing attributes and strategies that attract knowledge workers in these cities. Stakeholder and Delphi surveys were used for data collection, and inferential statistical analyses, including Principal Component Analysis, were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that beyond affordability, the availability of a well-balanced mix of types of houses, security and urban amenities is critical for knowledge workers. Grounded in place theory and urban systems analysis, the study emphasised sustainable housing strategies to attract the skilled professionals.