Challenges and Barriers to Property Reuse for Social Housing: A Comprehensive Review

This systematic literature review examines the challenges and barriers to property reuse for social housing development, a strategy increasingly recognized for its potential to address housing shortages while promoting sustainable urban development. The study synthesizes findings from a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed articles, policy documents, and grey literature, identifying key obstacles across technical, economic, regulatory, social, and environmental domains. Our review reveals that while property reuse offers significant opportunities for creating affordable and sustainable housing solutions, it is hindered by complex interplays of structural limitations, financial constraints, regulatory hurdles, community resistance, and environmental concerns. The findings highlight the multifaceted nature of barriers to adaptive reuse in the context of social housing, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to overcome these challenges. This review contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a holistic understanding of the obstacles faced in property reuse projects for social housing and by identifying gaps in current research. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy reforms, innovative financing models, and community engagement strategies to facilitate successful property reuse initiatives. These insights are valuable for policymakers, urban planners, and housing developers seeking to implement effective property reuse strategies for social housing development.