Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the obstacles to the availability of suitable housing units for various socioeconomic segments of society with an emphasis on single-family homes, which is the most preferred housing type in the Saudi society. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the aim of this paper, the Delphi method was used to explore the experts' opinions on the most important obstacles. Findings The findings of the study underline 17 different obstacles affecting the availability of suitable housing units for various segments of the Saudi society. The most critical obstacle is the high cost of land followed by the low income of the families, high cost of construction, high interest rate of mortgages and shortage of suitable residential lands. Originality/value The study concludes with a number of proposed recommendations that can contribute to address the current shortage of suitable housing units.