This study synthesises research on mortgage financing (MF) and housing affordability (HA). Systematically reviewing 254 Scopus articles (2015–2025) via PRISMA, it combines Scientometric and qualitative analysis. Using a fishbone concept, it details systemic cause-and-effect challenges. Findings show housing deficits and affordability crises are most acute in the Global South, yet scholarly and policy discourse remains dominated by Western nations like the USA, Australia, and the UK. While MF can theoretically improve HA, its current adoption often exacerbates financial and social exclusion and fails to ease access. The analysis establishes a clear nexus between housing-induced financial stress, deteriorating mental health, and social inequities. It concludes that a fundamental reorientation of MF is required. Achieving sustainable HA necessitates robust, inclusive systems characterised by lower mortgage costs and targeted subsidies. Such reforms are imperative for progress toward UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities) and SDG 8 (Economic Growth).
Ofori et al. (2026) studied this question.