This chapter sets the context by throwing light on the Global Affordable Housing Challenge and the shift in housing policies from the state directly ‘providing’ housing to a balanced approach of state ‘enabling the market to provide’ housing and stepping in when market is unable to provide. It also introduces the concepts of Affordable Housing which will form the base of the remaining chapters such as; the Price to Income Ratio (PIR), housing continuum and explains the need for an Integrated Housing Policy. This chapter intends for the learner to: ● Recognise the extent of the Affordable Housing Challenge, globally and in India. ● Recognise the shift in the housing policies and approaches to affordable housing over the years. ● Comprehend key concepts: Housing Affordability, Housing Price to Income Ratio, Housing Demand, Housing Need and the Housing Continuum. ● Advocate for the integrated housing strategy with different intervention for different submarkets rightsizing the role of state and enabling the markets to provide housing