How Americans Define Affordable Housing

Abstract

The definition of affordable housing is often subjective and varies by household. Currently, there is limited research on how consumers define housing affordability in the United States. This study used an exploratory design to find themes associated with consumers’ perceptions of affordable housing. The study analyzed qualitative responses to a question about housing affordability of 738 online survey respondents. Of the nine main themes which emerged, three themes were most commonly used to define housing affordability. The three themes were as follows: low financial strain, percent of income, and community‐level comparison. In addition, a relationship was found between two demographic factors (race and region of the country) and how a respondent defined housing affordability. Implications for housing and financial professionals are presented.

A review of housing articles in FCSRJ: 2008–2022

“…This suggests a need for future research. Johnson et al (2019) developed an online survey to learn consumers' perception of affordable housing, but this article reported on only one question from the survey: "How would you define affordable housing?" The top three responses from 738 participants were: low financial strain (defined as income, cost, and expenses), percentage of income, and community-level comparison of the housing.…”

Perspektif Rumah Mampu Milik: Kajian Kes Penjawat Awam Di Putrajaya

“…Walau bagaimanapun, perbincangan mengenai mampu milik di Malaysia perlu lebih dinamik dan luas dengan mengambil kira pendekatan subjektif (Ming 1995) melalui masyarakat kerana pengalaman individu adalah proses tafsiran yang aktif dan bukannya pemahaman material yang pasif terhadap dunia fizikal. Johnson et al (2019) menjelaskan bahawa masih kurang kajian imperikal untuk menjelaskan pemahaman mengenai kemampuan memiliki rumah berdasarkan persepsi individu atau isi rumah. Persepsi individu terhadap kemampuan memiliki rumah mungkin memberikan perspektif yang berbeza, oleh itu adalah penting untuk memahami cara individu mentakrifkan kemampuan memiliki rumah kerana persepsi dan kepercayaan boleh mempengaruhi keputusan mereka dalam membeli rumah.…”