Abstract
This paper presents findings on the perception of low-income housing occupants on the quality
of houses that have been built through the South Africa National Housing Subsidy Scheme Programme in
Kliptown, Johannesburg, South Africa. The study also looks at the expectations of the occupants of the RDP
houses prior to when the houses were allocated to them; if they were met by the houses provided. A structured
questionnaire survey was conducted in Kliptown, Soweto in Johannesburg to determine the objective of the
study. The respondents involved in the data gathering were only housing subsidy beneficiaries. The survey
results revealed that the expectations of the occupants in terms of their housing needs were not met. Further
findings also revealed that most of the houses had defects, the extents of which mere repairs by the occupants
cannot handle. Also, the occupants indicated that the houses were not of good quality. Housing subsidy
occupants’ perception has not been widely explored even though it is generally accepted that the quality of
the South Africa subsidised houses is of low quality. Post- occupancy evaluation and prior and post-consultation
with the occupants is as important as the houses being delivered. The paper contributes to this body of
knowledge.