The social housing in the Historic Center of Lima. Economic analysis from a case study

Abstract

The historic center of Lima (CHL) continues to play a role in housing for low-income population despite the loss of housing because property deterioration and the pressure of more profitable tertiary activities (commerce and offices). It is no coincidence that low- income families keep their preference for their home location as this gives them access to employment opportunities and conditions for social reproduction even if it means poor living conditions such as overcrowding. Given the housing market conditions and the current housing policy, a housing solution would only be achieved only in the periphery of the city where land is cheap. Moving families well localized to the periphery could solve the housing shortage but generate other social costs as longer time travel, the potential loss of jobs and the dissolution of an important social support network.