The government's efforts to deliver low-cost housing to low-income earners was given a boost with the establishment of a new housing regulator in Cape Town.

The Social Housing Regulatory Authority was established to define new standards in low-cost rental projects, the human settlements department said in a statement.

"There is an increasing demand for rental stock in urban areas, particularly on well-located land close to where people work," the department quoted Minister Tokyo Sexwale as saying at the authority's launch.

The body would be responsible for supporting and stimulating social housing projects, primarily multi-storey blocks of flats for low-income earners.

It would also be responsible for finding money to fund new developments and starting new developments in urban areas.

Chairman of the Social Housing Company Zora Ebrahim was appointed chairman of the new body. Gratitude Booysen from the SA Local Government Association was appointed deputy chairman.

Nontutuzelo Nogaga, Seeng Ntsaba-Letele, Maputhi Lamola, Collen Weapond, Shanaaz Majiet, Ahmedi Vawda and Sharon Trail were appointed as office bearers.