Effect of accommodation pressure on housing affordability in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed the effect of accommodation pressure on housing affordability in Ikeja, Lagos State. Data used for this study were obtained from both primary and secondary source. 10 wards were covered for this research and a total number of 180 questionnaires were administered in the study area using the housing stock of each ward. These questionnaires were used to obtain information on level of housing satisfaction and perception of housing affordability and effect of accommodation pressure from respondents in the study area. The study was sub-divided into four sectors to ensure accurate description of the area. Descriptive statistics were used to present independent variables in the data set. Frequency distribution was used to assess the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents and related data to determine the nature of housing affordability among various respondents in the study area. The study revealed that income, household size, occupation, education, housing finance and family expenses are the key determinants to secure convenient, satisfactory and affordable housing in the study area. The government’s inability to tackle these factors in an appropriate manner has rendered many people inability to live in satisfactory, convenient and affordable apartments. However, it is important that the government get involved in the provision of mortgage facilities as one of the recommendations in solving housing problem in Nigeria.

Keywords: Urbanization, Housing, Accommodation Pressure, Affordability, Urban Land