AN EVALUATION OF PRIVATE HOUSING ESTATE ADEQUACY IN ALIMOSHO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study evaluates the adequacy of private housing estates in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State with specific focus on housing attributes and the key factors influencing residents’ perception of adequacy. Three private housing estates were selected, and data were obtained through a questionnaire survey administered to household heads across block of flats, semi-detached and detached duplex typologies. Out of 373 questionnaires distributed, 212 were retrieved, representing a 56.84 percent response rate. The analysis employed descriptive statistical tools, Relative Adequacy Index and factor analysis to examine residents’ satisfaction with housing attributes and to identify underlying dimensions influencing perceived adequacy. Findings revealed that although most housing attributes recorded high relative adequacy values, notable variations existed across the estates. Potable water supply, burglary proof on windows and number of bedrooms ranked highest in adequacy with RAI values of 3.76, 3.75 and 3.73 respectively. Conversely, natural lighting in kitchens, fire safety measures and thermal comfort were rated least adequate, indicating design related gaps in these units. Factor analysis reduced forty-one assessed variables into eight significant components that explain users’ perception of estate adequacy. These components include managerial factor, utility adequacy factor, infrastructural factor, facilities maintenance factor, accessibility to facilities factor and basic facilities availability factor among others. The study concludes that while private housing estates in Alimosho demonstrate acceptable adequacy levels in many physical and infrastructural attributes, deficiencies remain in thermal comfort, lighting and safety related features. Also, management efficiency, the quality of infrastructure and access to essential services largely shaped residents’ perception of adequacy. The study recommends improved estate design standards, strengthened facility management systems and tailored policy interventions to enhance housing adequacy in private estates within rapidly urbanising areas such as Alimosho.