FACTORS AFFECTING CHOICE OF RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION ON USERS’ SATISFACTION IN STATE LOW COST HOUSING DAMATURU, YOBE STATE

ABSTRACT This study examines the factors affecting the choice of residential accommodation and their influence on users’ satisfaction in State Low-Cost Housing estates in Damaturu, Yobe State. The study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, with data collected from eighty (80) household heads using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze respondents’ socio-economic characteristics and factors influencing residential choice, while linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between socio-economic variables and housing satisfaction. Findings revealed that affordability is the most significant factor influencing residential accommodation choice, followed by proximity to place of work and security. The regression results further showed that monthly income has a significant positive effect on housing satisfaction, while household size has a significant negative influence, indicating a mismatch between standardized housing designs and the needs of larger households. Variables such as occupation, education level, and age were found not to have a significant effect on housing satisfaction. The study concludes that although the State Low-Cost Housing Program has achieved its objective of providing affordable housing, residents’ satisfaction is constrained by infrastructural inadequacies and housing designs that inadequately cater for large household sizes. The study therefore recommends the provision of varied housing unit sizes, improved infrastructure, and more inclusive housing policies to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of low-cost housing schemes in Damaturu. Keywords: Residential accommodation, Housing choice, User satisfaction, Low-cost housing, Socio-economic factors, Damaturu.