ABSTRACT
In no part of the world is the issue of urban housing of greater consequence than Asia. This chapter provides an introduction highlighting the broad commonalties and differences among countries in the region that allow for an interesting comparative study. Many of these countries share similarities in the high population densities of their cities, squatter and slum settlements and a rising middle class, characteristics that are important influences on housing. There are, however, significant differences in the nature of the state and governance across the region. Thus, the impacts on the housing sector of the shift from the state-directed strategies of the last 40 years to more market-driven and laissez faire strategies after the 1980s is producing a diversity of outcomes. A discussion of these outcomes together with a broad framework to understand the differing performances of various countries in urban housing provision conclude this chapter.
