Residential satisfaction-Concept,theories and empirical studies

Residential satisfaction,defined as the feeling of contentment when one has or achieves what one needs or desires in a house,is an important indicator and planners,architects,developers and policy makers use it in a number of ways. there are three theories-housing needs theory,housing deficit theory and psychological construct theory,and most empirical studies have used these theories or a combination of these theories in their research design. a number of variables representing housing and neighbourhood characteristics,individuals' socio-demographic attributes as well as their perceptions of housing and neighbourhood conditions have been analysed in most empirical studies what stand to indicate that further studies are required until a general theory of residential satisfaction/ dissatisfaction emerges. also,a host of variables belonging to housing and its environment including the sociodemographic attributes of residents exert significant influences on the level of residential satisfaction/ dissatisfaction which is however,culture and value specific indicating that further studies on residential satisfaction/ dissatisfaction can be undertaken on case specific context to guide public policies on housing. © 2014 by mip.