Challenges of Sustainable Affordable Home Ownership: Integration with Maqasid Shariah and SDG 11

Abstract

Objective: This article examines the challenges of affordable homeownership in Malaysia’s urban and rural areas through the lens of Maqasid al-Shariah and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. It aims to identify key gaps and propose ethical solutions for sustainable and inclusive housing policies.   Theoretical Framework: The study applies Maqasid al-Shariah, which emphasizes the preservation of faith (Hifz al-Din), life (Hifz al-Nafs), intellect (Hifz al-Aql), progeny (Hifz al-Nasl), and wealth (Hifz al-Mal). These principles align with SDG 11’s focus on inclusivity, safety, and resilience in housing, forming a comprehensive approach to addressing social and economic disparities in homeownership.   Method: A scoping review of 31 articles from 2015 to 2024 was conducted to explore sustainable affordable homeownership challenges, focusing on factors such as building material quality, maintenance, access to public amenities, and financial capacity.   Results and Discussion: The findings show that urban areas face higher costs and limited affordable housing, disproportionately affecting lower-income groups. Rural areas, meanwhile, struggle with inadequate infrastructure and services. By integrating Maqasid al-Shariah, this study highlights the importance of ethical policies balancing economic viability and social justice.   Research Implications: This study underscores the need for government-industry collaboration to improve urban planning, enhance homeownership awareness, and support sustainable housing initiatives. By aligning ethical frameworks with SDG 11, it advocates inclusive policies fostering resilient communities.   Originality/Value: This study uniquely bridges Maqasid al-Shariah with sustainable housing discourse, offering an ethical and practical framework that addresses Malaysia’s affordable housing challenges while advancing SDG 11 goals.