Building Solutions: Using Housing Research to Tackle Global Challenges

At Reall, we are committed to driving social, economic, and environmental progress by providing green, resilient, affordable housing to lower-income communities in Africa and Asia. As cities grow at unprecedented rates and the impacts of climate change become more pronounced, the need for affordable housing solutions that are green and resilient is ever-increasing. Through our research, we aim to ensure that our projects are based on data, best practices, and a deep understanding of local needs.  

Why Research Priorities Matter 

In a world facing rapid urbanisation, climate challenges, and widening inequality, targeted research is essential for transformative change. For Reall, research priorities provide a roadmap to align our work, identify critical knowledge gaps, and structure future funding opportunities. By setting these priorities, we ensure that our efforts deliver meaningful, evidence-based solutions that directly address the needs of low-income communities while driving innovation in affordable housing. 

Housing: A Tool for Addressing Sustainable Development Goals 

Housing is more than just shelter—it’s a foundation for addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Whether it’s promoting gender equality, fostering climate resilience, or driving economic stability, housing offers a practical entry point and exit strategy for systemic change. Housing is a critical tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and framing research through the lens of urbanisation, inequality, and financial empowerment, allows us to connect with wider sectors. At Reall, we can see how housing is integrated into, and directly contributes to the SDGs, whether that be through planet-friendly design and construction, availability of finance for owners and tenants, investing in communities or the availability and acquisition of land. Our research priorities explore how housing initiatives can drive social progress, aligning our mission and priorities to global goals for sustainable, inclusive development.  

Our Four Research Priorities 

Reall has identified four interconnected research areas to drive impact and inform global conversations. Each theme encompasses questions that explore both practical applications and broader implications. 

1. Demonstrate, Evidence, Advocate: Research in this area focuses on learning from past housing initiatives to inform future projects. Questions explore what lessons can be drawn from successes and challenges, and how data can drive innovation and policy change. 
2. Gender: This theme investigates how housing can be a catalyst for gender equity. Questions delve into barriers women face in accessing housing finance, the economic benefits of homeownership, and how inclusive design can be commercially viable.  
3. Climate: Green, resilient affordable housing is essential to mitigating climate risks and building sustainable communities. Research addresses the role of green technologies, certifications, and policies in scaling sustainable housing solutions.
4. Finance: Expanding access to affordable housing depends on innovative financing models for both developers and end users. Questions explore the barriers to construction finance, alternative financing solutions, and how financial inclusion can be expanded.  

Implications of Inaction
Failing to address these research priorities risks perpetuating systemic challenges that affordable housing seeks to resolve.  

• Without a robust evidence base, opportunities to refine urban development practices and inform policy with proven, scalable strategies may be lost, leaving critical gaps in innovation and collaboration 

• Ignoring gender-sensitive housing risks reinforcing inequalities, leaving women and girls underserved and limiting their economic and social opportunities. 

• A lack of focus on climate resilience in housing development will exacerbate environmental vulnerabilities, leaving communities more exposed to the impacts of climate change.  

• Without addressing barriers in housing finance, both developers and end-users may face insurmountable obstacles, stalling market growth and leaving affordable housing out of reach for those who need it most.  

By failing to act, we miss a critical opportunity to harness housing as a tool for addressing urbanisation, inequality, and climate challenges. 

Call to Action 

Through our research, we aim to influence the unlocking of greater investment into affordable housing and climate resilience. By generating evidence-based insights, and demonstrating the connectivity with gender, climate and finance, we want to show that housing is a key pillar in achieving global goals. 

Reall’s research priorities represent a bold vision for transforming the housing sector. But achieving this vision requires collaboration. We invite academics, NGOs, policymakers, and industry leaders to join us in exploring these critical questions. Together, we can shape the future of affordable housing and deliver lasting impact for communities worldwide. If you’re ready to be part of this journey, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected].