Analysis of Social Housing Policies in Iran Using Grounded Theory

Subject Areas : Urban Planning

Rama Ghalambordezfooly ¹ , Seyed Mohammad Mahdi Mahmoudi ²

1 -
2 -

Received: 2025-07-19 Accepted : 2025-09-16 Published : 2025-10-09

Keywords: Social housing policy, grounded theory, Affordability. Infrastructure, public–private partnerships (PPPs), Iran, governance, spatial segregation,

Abstract :

Housing is a fundamental human need, yet rapid urbanization and macroeconomic instability have intensified affordability pressures for low-income groups in Iran. This study employs a grounded theory (GT) qualitative design, based on expert interviews, to evaluate the effectiveness of major state-led initiatives, including the National Housing Plan, the Mehr Housing Project, and the Worker Housing Project. GT enables concepts and categories to emerge inductively from empirical evidence, providing a context-specific understanding of policy dynamics. Findings indicate persistent structural deficiencies: weak site selection, inadequate infrastructure and services, limited stakeholder participation, and insufficient attention to macroeconomic conditions. These shortcomings, together with the spatial concentration of disadvantaged groups, have undermined policy outcomes. In a comparative perspective, participatory models backed by sustainable finance and clear governance, such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), used in several developed countries, contrast with Iran's centralized approach. The study contributes to the housing policy literature by integrating interview-based evidence with international frameworks and by highlighting the need for multi-sectoral, transparent, and financially resilient strategies. Policy implications include strengthening inter-agency coordination and municipal roles, adopting mixed financing mechanisms, integrating infrastructure and services at the planning stage, and designing dispersion and inclusion measures to reduce socio-spatial segregation.

References:

Aghasi, R. (1994). Geographical analysis of housing. Seminar on Housing Development Policies in Iran, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
Ahari, Z., Arjmandnia, A., Habibi, M., Khosrokhavar, F. (1988). Minimum Housing, Tehran, Building and Housing Research Center
Alvani, S. M., Azar, A., & Danaeifard, H. (2016). Qualitative research methodology in management: A comprehensive approach. Saffar Publications.
Andersson, R. (2019). Housing and social integration: Lessons from Scandinavian models. Housing Studies, 34(6), 987–1005. https://doi.org/10.1080/02673037.2019.1597962
Ansari, M. (1994). Housing development policies in Iran. Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
Arabi Balaghi, N. (2007). Comparative study of housing index developments during the decade of 1995-2005. Scientific Quarterly of Housing Economics, 40, 81-100.
Arundel, R., & Ronald, R. (2020). The false promise of homeownership: Homeowner societies in an era of declining access and rising inequality. Urban Studies, 57(6), 1127-1142. https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098019879158
Ashtiani, & Amini Kashani, A. (2024). Comparative evaluation of "physical housing conditions" in selected neighborhoods of District 2 in Tehran. Quarterly Journal of Geography and Regional Foresight, 2(2), xx-xx.
Chapman, D. (2005). Creation of neighborhoods and places in the built environment (S. Faryadi & M. Tabibian, Trans.). University of Tehran.
Eslampour, M. (2024). Evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the National Housing Plan in the framework of neighborhood-based planning (Case study: Imam Khomeini Town, Kermanshah). Proceedings of the First National Conference on Human Sciences with a New Approach. Tehran.
Etemadi, G. (1990). Homeownership and Its Impact on Urban Organization and Space. Architecture and Urban Planning Journal, 12(3), 55–68.
Faraghani, M. B., & Sahraei, M. A. (1984). Housing planning: A case study of Tehran. Master's thesis, Shahid Beheshti University.
Fields, D., & Uffer, S. (2016). The financialization of rental housing: A comparative analysis of New York City and Berlin. Urban Studies, 58(5), 953–970. https://doi.org/10.1177/0042098016653722
Ghasemi, M., & Rezazadeh. (2021). Analysis of the role of good urban governance in revitalizing decayed urban texture based on grounded theory (Case study: Reza City). Quarterly Journal of Geographical Studies in Mountainous Areas, 4(2).
Goodall, B. (1987). The Penguin dictionary of human geography. Penguin.
Haffner, M., & Boumeester, H. (2010). The affordability of housing in the Netherlands: An increasing income gap between renting and owning? Housing Studies, 35(4), 743-765.
Haji Youssefi, A. (2002). Marginalization: The process of transformation (Before the Islamic Revolution). Haft Shahr, Urban Development and Urban Improvement Quarterly, 3(7).
Hedayat nejad, M. (1996). Mental health, the culture of apartment living. Second Seminar on Housing Development Policies in Iran, Publications of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
Hosseini, N., & Shams, M. (2024). Investigation of urban housing supply within neighborhood-based planning (Case study: Arak City). Journal of Urban Management Studies, 16(5).
Inanlou, A. (2001). Analytical housing planning based on supply and demand in northern Qazvin City: Master's thesis, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran.
Javadi, A. (1996). A brief look at the housing problem in Iran. Third Seminar on Housing Development Policies in Iran, 1. National Land and Housing Organization.
Mehr Afzoon, M. (2014). Explaining the assessment of the Mehr Housing Project development plan (Boroujerd City).
Mokhber, A. (1984). Social dimensions of housing. Economic-Social Document Center, Budget and Planning Publications.
Niyazkhani, M. (1994). Social-psychological dimensions of housing in Iran. First Seminar on Housing Development Policies in Iran, 2. Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
OECD (2021). Affordable Housing Database – Policy Responses.
Pejuyan, J. (1997). Housing conditions of the poor. First Specialized Housing Conference, National Land and Housing Organization, 16.
Pourmohammadi, M. (2010). Housing planning (7th ed.). Samt Publications.
Ronald, R., & Elsinga, M. (Eds.). (2020). Beyond home ownership: Housing, welfare, and society. Routledge.
Salmasi, V. (2023). Investigating and Identifying Housing Planning Indicators (Case Study: Tehran City).
Scanlon, K., Whitehead, C., & Arrigoitia, M. F. (2018). Social housing in Europe. Wiley-Blackwell.
Schmidt, S. (2020). Social Housing Policies in Germany: Public–Private Collaboration and Social Equity. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment, 35(4), 789–805. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jhbe.2020.35.4
Shahihagh, Z. Gharehbaglou, M., & Beyti, H. (2024). Investigating the impact of livability of low-income residential spaces on the empowerment of their residents (Case study: four informal areas in the city of Tabriz).
Shokouei, H. (1976). Urban marginalized people, affordable housing, and housing policies. Institute for Social Research and Humanities, Tabriz.
Silva, L. (2021). Corruption and Challenges in Brazilian Housing Programs. Journal of Housing Policy, 12(4), 233–248. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/jhp.2021.12.4
Statistical Center of Iran. (2006). Statistical yearbook, general population and housing census. Tehran: Statistical Center of Iran.
Statistical Center of Iran. (2011). Statistical yearbook, general population and housing census. Tehran: Statistical Center of Iran.
Statistical Center of Iran. (2016). Statistical yearbook, general population and housing census. Tehran: Statistical Center of Iran.
Talebi Varnoosfaderani, Shahivandi, & Mohammadi, M. (2024). Systematic review of research related to housing policies in Iran (Years 1991 to 2021). Quarterly Journal of Public Policy, Summer 2024.
Tofigh, F. (2003). Housing planning. National Land and Housing Organization.
Turkington, R. & Watson, C. (2020). Social Housing in Europe: Ten Years After. Routledge.
UN-Habitat (2020). World Cities Report: The Value of Sustainable Urbanization.
Vincent, F. C. (1989). Urbanization in the Middle East (P. Pirani, Trans.). Nashr-e Ney.
World Bank (2022). Housing for All: Lessons from Global Affordable Housing Programs.
Zebardast, E. (2002). Mobile dwellings: A solution or an unsustainable problem? Municipalities Monthly, 3(35).