Page 44 - U4SSC Factsheet, Mashhad, Iran (Islamic Republic of), September 2021

from various perspectives, including architecture, building construction, residential buildings, land
and building costs, housing loans, the housing market, housing regulations, house prices, and
desirable housing.

The poverty rate was not reported. (It is highly recommended that this be undertaken.) One of the
indirect indicators for measuring poverty can be the prevalence of informal settlements. From such
an indicator, it could be assumed that this is also related to the poverty rate, given that according
to research conducted, every year the lower income group has limited access to housing. Apart
from individuals’ social class and economic conditions, housing is always one of the most important
needs and priorities of the household.

Informal settlements could, potentially, be addressed by drafting urban planning, architecture and
housing construction in accordance with international standards. They could be addressed further
by enhancing their flexibility and encouraging activities that benefit low-income groups, as well as
by changing the views and plans of urban development projects accordingly. 35

38 U4SCC Factsheet | Mashhad, Iran (Islamic Republic of) | September 2021