Abstract Book of the 5th World Conference on Climate Change and Global Warming
Year: 2025
DOI:
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Exploring Rental Housing Affordability as an Effective Adaptation Strategy in Indian Metropolises: A Case Study of Kolkata
Anurag Jharia, Dr Ankhi Banerjee, Sovan Biswas
ABSTRACT:
This study addresses the pressing issue of rental housing affordability in Kolkata, a metropolis with over 28 million residents. Despite the city’s cultural and economic importance, housing development has struggled to meet growing demand, particularly for lower-income groups. Government-initiated public rental housing programs aimed to mitigate the housing crisis, yet overcrowding and poor living conditions persist, leaving many households facing severe affordability challenges. As Kolkata is projected to require 90,000 additional housing units annually by 2025, understanding the factors influencing rental housing affordability is crucial for promoting sustainable and effective urban development.
The research evaluates rental housing affordability by establishing affordability benchmarks and identifying key factors influencing housing choices in Kolkata. It investigates how demographic, socio-economic, and infrastructure characteristics impact affordability, and explores the role of real estate investment patterns in the supply of affordable rental housing. A primary survey of 450 households across the Kolkata Metropolitan Area collects data on rental prices, household income, and sustainable living conditions. Additionally, the study examines the availability of essential services such as water, sanitation, and garbage disposal in housing communities, and how these sustainability-related amenities influence rental housing choices. The analysis employs the MedianMultiple Method to calculate rent-to-income ratios and the Hedonic Price Model to assess the influence of factors like demographics, proximity to services, and neighborhood characteristics on rental costs.
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 8, which promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth, decent work, and living standards for all, this study highlights the importance of effective adaptation strategies in housing development to enhance affordability and sustainability. The findings establish critical affordability benchmarks and reveal market trends, such as the impact of new construction, population growth, and the availability of sustainable amenities like water, sanitation, and garbage disposal. Effective adaptation factors, including sustainable infrastructure, essential services, and supportive government policies, play a vital role in influencing rental prices. These insights inform policy recommendations aimed at promoting affordable, sustainable, and decent housing. By supporting sustainable urban growth, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of housing affordability challenges and offers valuable perspectives for comparative studies on urban housing in Indian cities and globally, strengthening the conversation on sustainable urban development and housing policies. Additionally, the study assesses the adaptability of living conditions for residents.
keywords: Rental Housing Affordability, Sustainable Development, Effective Adaptation, Affordability Benchmarks, Sustainable Economic growth