Changing landscape of low-Income housing – moving towards digitalisation

The rise in demand for low-cost housing

Post the pandemic & subsequent Work-From-Home and hybrid working models, has further increased the demand for affordable housing in Tier 2/3/4 towns and has been consistently rising over the last year or so. A recent report by Magicbricks stated the surge in demand to be as high as 19% in the past year alone.

Favourable government policies both on the demand and supply side have created an enabling environment for providing assistance and boost to the sector and to the individual beneficiaries.

The move towards digital platforms

With the rise in penetration of digital mediums to smaller towns & rural parts of the country, low-income housing is also being made more accessible to families in these geographies through various digital mediums. These platforms use technology to connect low-income families with potential sellers/resellers and low-cost housing developers. They also provide a range of services, such as online applications, digital documentation, and online payments.

One example of a digital platform for low-income housing is the India Shelter Platform, a partnership between the Government of India and the World Bank. The platform aims to increase the availability of affordable housing in India by providing a digital marketplace for low-income families to find and apply for housing.

Digital platforms for low-income housing can help to improve access to affordable housing for low-income families by reducing the time and costs associated with the housing application process. These platforms also provide transparency and increase the accessibility for the low-income population to apply for affordable housing.

What does the future hold?

It is worth noting that these platforms may still face challenges, such as low digital literacy among the targeted population, lack of internet connectivity, and the need for more robust data management systems to make sure that the platform runs smoothly. The advent of 5G,  with its deeper penetration and faster services, is expected to give a major boost to this initiative and make online platforms more accessible to the people that will benefit from it the most.

Rishi Anand,
MD and CEO,
Aadhar Housing Finance Limited

Those who are already operating or planning to switch to digital platforms should bear in mind –

  • Make the platform user-friendly: The platform should be easy to navigate and understand, with clear instructions and information about the housing options available. This will make it more likely that low-income families will use the platform.

 

  • Offer a range of housing options: The platform should offer a range of housing options to meet the diverse needs of low-income families. This includes different types of housing, such as apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes, as well as different sizes and styles of homes.

 

  • Provide information and resources: The platform should provide information and resources to help low-income families navigate the housing application process. This can include information on financial assistance programs, tips on how to complete the application process, and contact information for housing counsellors.

 

  • Use social media and other digital marketing tools: The platform should use social media and other digital marketing tools to reach potential customers. This can include creating a social media presence, using search engine optimization (SEO), and running online ads.

 

  • Create a mobile App: Developing a mobile App for the platform will make it more accessible for low-income families. Many low-income families may not have access to a computer, but they will have access to a mobile phone.

 

  • Provide an easy and secure payment gateway: The platform should provide an easy payment gateway for low-income families to pay for their housing. This can include online payments, mobile payments, and other digital payment options.

To conclude, we are slowly moving towards a ‘Digital Bharat’ and, with the advent of fin-tech, there has been a sharp rise in both reach and transactions in the financial services space through digital mediums.

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET Edge Insights, its management, or its members

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