Urban housing regeneration strategies for sustainable city development: A systematic literature review

Purpose – This paper examines the complexities, prospects, and practical approaches to urban housing regeneration within the broader agenda of sustainable city development. It addresses financial, social, regulatory, and environmental barriers while proposing strategies to foster inclusive and resilient regeneration efforts. Design/methodology/approach – Employing the PRISMA framework (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), the study systematically reviews existing literature on urban housing regeneration. Through thematic analysis, it explores core challenges such as limited funding, land scarcity, gentrification risks, stakeholder tensions, regulatory constraints, and issues of social inclusion. Furthermore, it identifies regeneration opportunities linked to economic renewal, technological advancement, environmental resilience, and collaborative models like public-private partnerships. The research also reviews practical approaches including community-driven initiatives, mixed-use developments, green infrastructure, adaptive reuse, inclusive housing strategies, and resilience-focused planning. Findings – The research reveals that although financial and social challenges persist, targeted interventions can significantly enhance regeneration outcomes. Successful implementation hinges on integrating smart technologies, encouraging cross-sector collaboration, and embedding inclusive policies to promote equitable urban renewal. Practical implications – The insights offered may assist policymakers, urban designers, and developers in crafting regeneration strategies that reconcile economic growth with environmental stewardship and social justice. The study is especially relevant in mitigating gentrification and advancing affordable housing. Originality/value – This work adds to the evolving discourse on sustainable urban futures by presenting a holistic framework for addressing challenges and maximizing regeneration benefits, emphasizing participatory and inclusive planning processes.