Affordable housing, as a fundamental pillar of social justice and sustainable urban development, has become one of the most critical challenges facing metropolitan areas in recent years. Despite the growing body of research on affordable housing, the operational role of modern construction technologies within specific institutional and spatial contexts, particularly in project-oriented urban areas such as District 22 of Tehran, has received limited in-depth empirical investigation. In this regard, the application of modern construction technologies can play a significant role in reducing construction costs, enhancing productivity, and improving residents’ quality of life, provided that these technologies are aligned with local institutional, social, and spatial conditions. The aim of this study is to examine the challenges and potential solutions for the development of affordable housing through the application of modern construction technologies in District 22 of Tehran. This applied research adopts a qualitative approach, in which data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 13 experts in the fields of housing, urban planning, and construction technologies, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that achieving affordable housing is not solely dependent on the adoption of modern technologies, but rather requires institutional coordination, supportive policies, and legal and financial frameworks tailored to local conditions. Five main categories were identified: institutional and social interaction, modern technologies and materials, structural challenges, characteristics of District 22 of Tehran, and policy recommendations. The results suggest that the use of technologies such as prefabricated systems, 3D printing, and lightweight and recycled materials, when appropriately localized and standardized, can significantly reduce construction costs and time. Ultimately, the realization of affordable housing necessitates a systemic and coordinated approach involving policymakers, the private sector, and the advancement of modern construction technologies.