Kerala's Vacant Houses: Exploring Sustainable Finance Solutions and the Role of SDGs in Housing Investment.

Kerala faces a paradox in sustainable housing finance and investment. The increasing number of vacant homes, due to youth migration abroad, presents significant environmental, economic, and social challenges. These properties, once heritage symbols, now lead to resource wastage, energy inefficiency, inflated real estate prices, and weakened community bonds. Simultaneously, there is a demand for housing, especially for young professionals moving from rural areas for job opportunities. To address these issues, this article delves into UN-aligned sustainable development goal-related sustainable finance and investment alternatives. The study will analyze Kerala's vacant housing crisis and the potential of sustainable finance to mitigate this issue, demonstrating how housing investments aligned with SDGs can drive economic growth, reduce inequalities, and support environmental sustainability. It will propose policy recommendations for the government, financial institutions, and real estate developers to encourage community-centered housing solutions that prioritize long-term sustainability and social well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]