Only 39% of Pakistan’s rural households own homes, as urban ownership stands at 52%, housing deficit crosses 10 million

Housing conditions in Pakistan show a clear divide between urban and rural areas, with disparities in ownership, construction quality, access to utilities and affordability, according to data from Gallup Pakistan’s Household Integrated Economic Survey.

Homeownership stands at 52% in urban areas compared to 39% in rural regions. Lower ownership levels in rural areas are compounded by vulnerability to displacement, particularly following recent floods that damaged housing stock.

Construction quality also differs significantly. About 63% of rural homes are built with low-durability materials such as mud and thatch, while 85% of urban homes are constructed using concrete or brick. This gap affects resilience to weather and increases maintenance and rebuilding costs for rural households.

Overcrowding remains higher in rural areas, where 22% of households live in congested conditions compared to 15% in urban centres. Limited living space adds pressure on household resources and living conditions.

Access to basic services is also uneven. Around 85% of urban households have access to clean drinking water, compared to 50% in rural areas. Similarly, 35% of rural homes lack electricity, while the share in urban areas stands at 5%.

Housing affordability presents an additional challenge. The survey shows 22% of rural households spend more than 40% of their income on housing, compared to 17% in urban areas.

Data from international institutions highlights a broader structural gap. The World Bank and the International Finance Corporation estimate Pakistan’s housing deficit at over 10 million units, with an annual increase of around 400,000 units driven by population growth and urbanisation.

The combined data indicates persistent gaps in housing access and quality, particularly in rural areas, alongside rising demand that continues to widen the national housing shortfall.