Housing Transformation in Government Constructed Residential Estates in Lagos Nigeria

Abstract

The desire to remodel houses in line with changing needs of occupants is on the increase, but there is a lack of understanding of the processes involved in housing transformation by residents in public housing estates in a developing country like Nigeria. This study investigated housing transformation in two low-cost public residential estates in Lagos, Nigeria, with a view to understanding the socio-economic characteristics of those engaged in housing transformation and how their undertake this. The data were derived through a cross sectional survey of 614 household heads in the estates using questionnaire and interview guide, and analysed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis The result shows that most of those involved in housing transformation were male low-income household heads with large families living in owner-occupied houses for over 15 years. It was also found that a significant correlation exist between housing transformation and the socio-economic characteristics of the residents except age. Although housing transformation involved substantial amount of money, yet it was undertaken using direct labour and self-help approach without building plans and authorisations. The paper concludes by highlighting the need for appropriate actions to check the current spate of transformation activities by residents in public housing estates in the study area. Keywords: Housing transformation, low-cost housing; government residential estate, survey, Lagos ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------