Housing Challenges and Policy Responses in Iraq: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Iraq faces a severe housing crisis marked by a significant deficit, the prevalence of informal settlements, and inadequate housing finance despite housing being a basic requirement for social stability and economic growth. This paper assesses the multifaceted challenges with which Iraq’s housing sector is grappling while also examining how government policies aimed at solving them have been effective or ineffective. As such, the inquiry was largely qualitative drawing mainly from literature such as government reports, academic studies, and evaluations from international organizations.

Key housing challenges highlighted herein include housing shortage exceeding three million units; proliferation of slums; displacement following wars; economic constraints and weak governance structures among others. Meanwhile, it will evaluate policy responses which encompass amongst others the 2010 National Housing Policy; public housing projects; the Housing Fund; post-conflict reconstruction programs but where possible corruption and political instability as well as bureaucracy have held them up even though some achievements have been made for instance increased housing production and provision of financial assistance.

The research draws on findings from Morocco, Jordan, Egypt as well as global experience underlining importance of facilitative policies for housing finance innovations, regulatory efficiency including community participation. To guarantee that every citizen in Iraq can access enough shelter, the paper ends by proffering forward looking policy recommendations centered on an integrated approach to housing provision, good governance practices that have transparency elements, widening financing avenues among others that are meant to serve both present and future generations of Iraqis.