Housing policy and demographic changes: the case of Iran

Purpose - Housing is an essential element in the dynamics of urbanization. One of the main reasons for urbanization is population growth. As the population grows, the need for housing also increases. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the links between housing policies and plans and demographic issues in Iran. Design/methodology/approach - The research has been conducted using the qualitative method. First, 14 main indicators of the population that occurred over the past 40 years have been extracted. To investigate the role of demographic indicators in seven main housing plans and policies in Iran, 30 indigenous housing experts have been interviewed. A criteria-based sampling method has been used in this research. Findings - The results of this study show that demographic developments have been neglected in the formulation of Iranian housing policies and plans. It is also worth noting that the lack of attention to demographic issues a main reason for the failure of housing policies in Iran. Practical implications - As an important implication, the present paper revealed that the mere submission of planning to the economists has been associated with an unpleasant consequence in Iran, and now, it is time to use various expertise and sciences in this important process, as well. Certainly, the use of other sciences such as urban planners contribute greatly to the housing promotion of plans. Originality/value - In the present research, the relationship between housing and population changes has been investigated because of the significance of the housing sector in Iran besides the problems in the implementation of housing plans.