What is decent housing and why do so many families in Colombia not have it?

One in four Colombian families lives in a house that doesn't meet the minimum conditions to be called a home. According to DANE (National Administrative Department of Statistics), 25.61% of the country's households are in a housing deficit. Behind that number are dirt floors, leaky roofs, and kitchens where smoke makes children sick. That's why it's worth starting with the basics: understanding what decent housing is and why so many families still lack it.

What is decent housing and why does it matter?

A decent home is one that protects the life, health, and privacy of its inhabitants. It's not a luxury. It's a solid floor, safe walls, water, a functioning bathroom, and a space where a family can sleep without it raining inside.

It matters because housing affects everything else. A child studies better in light and warmth. A mother takes better care of her family when she doesn't fear the roof will collapse. Housing isn't the end of poverty, but it is one of the first steps toward escaping it.

the conditions for decent housing

There are specific characteristics that distinguish a substandard house from a decent home. These are the most important:

• Safe materials: floors, walls and roofs that withstand rain and time, without dirt or loose sheets.
• Basic services: drinking water, energy and wastewater management.
• Enough space: that there is no overcrowding, with separate rooms for resting.
• Sanitation: at least one private bathroom and a well-ventilated kitchen.
• Secure location: away from landslide or flood zones.

When any of these elements are missing, the house exists but it doesn't provide protection. And that's where a family needs support to improve what they already have.

the legal framework: the law in the constitution

Decent housing is a right, not a favor. Article 51 of the Colombian Constitution establishes that all Colombians have the right to decent housing and that the State must set the conditions to make it effective.

That right was recently clarified. In November 2025, the Constitutional Court defined in more detail the conditions a dwelling must meet to be considered decent, reinforcing what was already mandated by Article 51. You can review the Court's rulings. Constitutional Court to understand the scope of that right.

Why don't so many families have it?

The problem is bigger and quieter than it seems. DANE estimates that approximately 4.8 million households are experiencing a housing deficit, equivalent to 25.61% of the country.

And here's a fact that changes the conversation: 751% of that deficit is qualitative. That is, most of those families do have a house, but it's precarious, one that needs improvement, not new construction. The impact is greater in rural areas: the rural deficit reaches 58.61% compared to 16.51% in urban areas. If you want to see the figures in detail, we break them down in this analysis of the housing deficit in Colombia.

What does Hepacom do for decent housing?

We work right where the problem lies: improving and building decent housing for vulnerable families. We are the Hechos Para la Comunidad Foundation (Hepacom), a non-profit organization based in Itagüí, Antioquia, with a national reach.

Since three out of four families in need don't require a new home but rather to repair their existing one, a significant part of our work involves this: replacing a dirt floor with a solid one, reinforcing a roof, and building a secure wall. You can learn more about our projects in our projects And if you want more families to have decent housing, you can Donate here.

How to recognize if a home is not decent

In addition to knowing what conditions must be met, it helps to see the warning signs when something is missing and the specific risk it implies. This information helps identify what to improve first in a dilapidated house.

Condition	Warning sign if missing	Risk to the family
Safe materials	Dirt floors or loose sheets	Diseases and rain damage
Basic services	Without drinking water or without sewage	Infections and poor hygiene
Enough space	Overcrowding, no separate rooms	Lack of rest and privacy
Sanitation	Without private bathroom or ventilated kitchen	Smoke and pollution inside the home
Secure location	Landslide or flood zone	Direct risk to life

When one of these conditions is missing, the house exists but it does not protect.

Common mistakes when thinking about decent housing

• Confusing dignified with luxurious: Dignity is the minimum that protects life and health, not an expensive finish.
• Focus only on the walls: Without water, sanitation, and a safe location, a solid house is still not dignified.
• Believing that a new house is always needed: In most cases, it is enough to improve what the family already has.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered decent housing in Colombia?

It is a house built with safe materials, basic services such as water and electricity, ample space, sanitation, and a safe location. It is protected under Article 51 of the Constitution.

Is decent housing a right?

Yes. Article 51 of the Constitution recognizes the right to decent housing, and in November 2025 the Constitutional Court specified the conditions that must be met.

How many families in Colombia lack decent housing?

According to DANE (National Administrative Department of Statistics), approximately 4.8 million households, or 25.61% of the country, are experiencing a housing deficit. 75% of that deficit is qualitative: substandard housing in need of improvement.

How can I help a family obtain decent housing?

You can join Hepacom as a donor or volunteer. With your contribution, we fund concrete improvements such as floors, roofs, and bathrooms for vulnerable families.

If what you've read so far has moved you, turn it into action: Donate today and help us put one more family under a safe roof.

This guide is part of our Complete guide to decent housing in Colombia, where we bring together how to access housing and how to help another family have their own.