The following core functions have been identified as key for the attainment of the strategic objectives:

• To promote the provision of housing development;
• To promote the provision of affordable housing and essential services;
• To manage, control and maintain the immoveable assets of the department;
• To administer and manage housing subsidies to targeted groups;
• To research, establish, monitor and implement policies within the National Housing Policy framework;
• To formulate a provincial housing development plan for the province;
• To facilitate and create housing institutions;
• To provide legal advice on land and environmental issues;
• To rehabilitate existing houses for victims affected by political unrest and correct the previous
  dysfunctionalities of the Housing Resettlement Programme;
• To administer and co-ordinate the Hostels Redevelopment and Upgrade Programme; and
• To administer the clearance of slums in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal.