Logo

Syed Shayan Real Estate Archive

Logo

From Real Estate History

5 November

Home
2 Historical Event found for 5 November
1

5 November 1987

Pakistan Approves Karachi Informal Housing Regularization & Site-Upgrade Policy

Pakistan Approves Karachi Informal Housing Regularization & Site-Upgrade Policy

On November 5, 1987, the Government of Pakistan approved one of the largest informal settlement upgrading programs in South Asia, granting legal recognition and development support to thousands of low-income households living in Karachi's katchi abadis. The policy, supported by international urban development agencies, aimed to regularize slums, secure land titles for residents, and improve essential services including water supply, sanitation, electricity, and road access.With Karachi expanding rapidly due to migration and urbanization, nearly 40% of its population lived in informal settlements at the time. Instead of eviction-based approaches, the government adopted a 'site-and-services' model, allowing families to remain in place while introducing infrastructure upgrades and community-run housing committees. The initiative helped reduce informal housing insecurity and enabled residents to gradually improve their homes through self-financing and micro-credit support.Urban planners viewed the move as a pragmatic recognition of urban realities and a milestone in pro-poor housing policy, influencing similar projects in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar.

▪ Reference(s):

Pakistan Housing & Urban Development Report, 1987
Views
3
2

5 November 1989

Singapore Expands Public Housing Ownership Model Through Upgraded HDB Scheme

Singapore Expands Public Housing Ownership Model Through Upgraded HDB Scheme

On November 5, 1989, Singapore announced a major expansion to its Housing & Development Board (HDB) home-ownership model, creating policies that allowed low- and middle-income families to purchase improved public flats with government-backed financing. The initiative marked a new chapter in Singapore’s urban housing revolution, aimed at transitioning the nation from rental-based welfare housing to widespread homeownership.The upgraded scheme introduced affordable mortgage finance, longer repayment terms, and subsidized interest rates, helping workers secure property ownership in growing residential districts. It also prioritized community-centered planning with integrated schools, clinics, public parks, transport hubs, and neighborhood commercial centers to ensure balanced urban life. This policy shift drastically reduced informal settlements and lifted Singapore’s home-ownership rates above 85%, positioning the country as a global model of public-sector-driven housing development. Experts praised the reform for creating social stability, reducing inequality, and establishing long-term wealth creation pathways for working families.

▪ Reference(s):

Singapore HDB Annual Policy Document, 1989
Views
5

More news from "On This Date"

Historic Real Estate Board Established
Historic Real Estate Board Established

On October 22, 1929, the nation's first comprehensive real estate board was established, creating professional standards and ethical guidelines for property transactions. This pioneering institution brought together real estate professionals to establish uniform practices, standardize transaction procedures, and create codes of conduct for the indu...

Read More →
Today marks the birth anniversary of Baba e Karachi, Jamshed Nusserwanjee Mehta, the first Mayor of Karachi, the man who transformed a modest port town into a modern city of Asia.
Today marks the birth anniversary of Baba e Karachi, Jamshed Nusserwanjee Mehta, the first Mayor of Karachi, the man who transformed a modest port town into a modern city of Asia.

Born on 7 January 1886, Jamshed Nusserwanjee Mehta’s life story is inseparable from the transformation of Karachi itself, from a small harbour settlement into an organised modern metropolis. Owing to his services, Karachi was at the time referred to as the Paris of the East, a city whose streets and buildings rivalled those of Paris and London i...

Read More →
Aberfan Disaster - Mining Tragedy Impacts Land Use Policies
Aberfan Disaster - Mining Tragedy Impacts Land Use Policies

On October 21, 1966, the Aberfan disaster occurred in Wales when a colliery spoil tip collapsed onto the village, killing 144 people including 116 children. This tragic event exposed critical failures in mining waste management and land use planning near populated areas. The disaster led to comprehensive reforms in mining regulations, waste disposa...

Read More →
Ancient Egyptian Obelisk Cleopatra’s Needle Opened to the Public on the River Thames
Ancient Egyptian Obelisk Cleopatra’s Needle Opened to the Public on the River Thames

London:On 21 January 1878, the ancient Egyptian stone obelisk known as Cleopatra’s Needle formally became part of London’s public and urban landscape. On this date, the monument was opened to the public following its complete installation at Victoria Embankment on the banks of the River Thames. The obelisk was originally created around 1450 ...

Read More →
 Foundation of Luanda, the City and Capital of Angola
Foundation of Luanda, the City and Capital of Angola

25 January 1575 marks the formal foundation of Luanda on the western coast of Africa by the Portuguese explorer and colonial administrator Paulo Dias de Novais. The settlement was originally named São Paulo da Assunção de Loanda, a designation that was later shortened to Luanda. At the time of its establishment in 1575, Luanda was a small col...

Read More →

Discover more from SyedShayan.com

Model Town Lahore A Modern Society Established within the Ancient Forest of Lahore (Episode 7)

Model Town Lahore A Modern Society Established within the Ancient Forest of Lahore (Episode 7)

The acquisition of land for the Model Town Society was one of the most remarkable and spirited chapters in its early history. Dewan Khem Chand and his...

Read More →
 Where Did the 500 Acres of Model Town Land Go (Episode 5)

Where Did the 500 Acres of Model Town Land Go (Episode 5)

Between 1921 and 1924, the land for Model Town Lahore was acquired in successive phases. The process began in 1921, shortly after the establishment of...

Read More →

Select Date