Access to Land: Effects on Housing Affordability in Abuja, Nigeria (Published)
The study attempted examination of the effects of access to land on housing affordability in Abuja, Nigeria. Sample population for the study was made up of 5,502 houses selected by purposive sampling techniques in the Six Area Councils in Abuja. The research adopted the 30% Bench Mark using Simple Housing Cost to Income Ratio, for measuring housing affordability status of residents. The 30% Benchmark is widely acceptable due to its simplicity, reliability, time and its effectiveness across markets. (Christopher et al;(2018), Desmond. M (2016). Hulchanski J.D(1995), Joint Center for Housing Studies of Havard University State of Nation’s Housing (2017). Results of analysis indicates that the resident’s median household income is between ₦300,000 to ₦1 million naira only. It was also observed, that there existed a gradual reduction in Median House price, Median Rent and Median Land Price with decrease in the location of Settlements, from the Abuja Central Business District. Therefore, the research revealed, that Median House price, Median Rent and Median land price is far above the acceptable 30% Bench mark for measurement of housing affordability Condition. Expressively, the research observed that Abuja Residents are experiencing worsening housing affordability condition. Access to land was further examined in relation to other identified factors that affects housing affordability, using Likert Scale. The Study thus concluded that, the most important factor that affects housing affordability in Abuja is access to Land. This factor is rated highest (Mean = 5.83, Standard deviation=1.33).
Keywords: Abuja, Housing Affordability, access to land