Determinants Of Housing Satisfaction In Residential Localities Within Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract

In urban centers of most developing countries, one of the major problems is the assessment of the quality of residential neighborhoods. This has further compounded the problem of residential choice among urban dwellers. In Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, the problem is magnified by the spatio-cultural patterns within the residential localities. By means of a survey of 20 of such localities using questionnaire, 1200 households were interviewed on housing and environment conditions expressed in 23 variables. The percentage levels of satisfaction with the conditions by the households were evaluated using factor analysis technique. Six major dimensions or factors were produced as determinants of housing satisfaction in Uyo. These factors are social infrastructure, housing facilities, consumers goods availability, health and leisure water supply and security service factors. These six factors accounted for 80% of the variation within the data set. These six factors or determinants could be used to assess the quality residential localities in Uyo and other similar urban centers in Nigeria and other less developed countries. Introduction In an emerging metropolis as Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, a major problem is the choice of residential locality. The demarcation of the capital territory for purpose so controlling development has engulfed many localities within the urban area. These localities are potential areas for housing development projects which may be by the public sector of private estate companies.