Residents’ Perception of Subsidised Low-income Housing in South Africa: A Case Study of Kliptown, Johannesburg

This paper presents findings on the perception of low-income housing occupants on the quality of houses that have been built through the South Africa National Housing Subsidy Scheme Programme in Kliptown, Johannesburg, South Africa. The study also looks at the expectations of the occupants of the RDP houses prior to when the houses were allocated to them; if they were met by the houses provided. A structured questionnaire survey was conducted in Kliptown, Soweto in Johannesburg to determine the objective of the study. The respondents involved in the data gathering were only housing subsidy beneficiaries. The survey results revealed that the expectations of the occupants in terms of their housing needs were not met. Further findings also revealed that most of the houses had defects, the extents of which mere repairs by the occupants cannot handle. Also, the occupants indicated that the houses were not of good quality. Housing subsidy occupants’ perception has not been widely explored even though it is generally accepted that the quality of the South Africa subsidised houses is of low quality. Post-occupancy evaluation and prior and post-consultation with the occupants is as important as the houses being delivered. The paper contributes to this body of knowledge.