Assessment of residential satisfaction in public housing in Ogun State, Nigeria

This study assessed residential satisfaction in public housing in Ogun State, Nigeria. It was based on a questionnaire survey conducted in housing estates constructed using the Turnkey, PublicePrivate Partnerships (PPPs), Core Housing and Shell Stage strategies between 2003 and 2009. Data were collected from 452 household-heads and analysed using descriptive statistics, factor and categorical regression analyses. The result shows that the respondents were generally dissatisfied with their housing conditions, but satisfaction levels were higher with dwelling unit features than neighbourhood facilities and services. Differences in socio-economic status and dimensions of evaluation of residential satisfaction were observed among the respondents across the strategies. The satisfaction levels were also higher among mortgage holders than renters and in the Core and Shell Stage houses where residents participated in the development of their houses than in the Turnkey and PPP houses, where completed houses were acquired. The three strongest predictors of residential satisfaction were adequacy of thermal and visual comfort and security; sizes of living and sleeping areas in the residences; and management of the housing estates, respectively. The study suggests that residential satisfaction and indeed quality of life of low- and middle-income residents can be enhanced through the provision of basic social amenities and infrastructural facilities in public housing schemes, and implementation of participatory and mortgagebased housing policies in Nigeria