Multi‐owner low‐cost housing management in Malaysia: Effects of owner‐occupant characteristics and occupancy rates
International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis
ISSN: 1753-8270
Article publication date: 9 August 2011
Abstract
Purpose
Homeownership is considered both economically and socially beneficial for homeowners. However, in the collective living arrangement, reaching a consensus with regard to the residential environment is difficult. The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that can reduce the conflict among the stakeholders in multi‐owner low‐cost housing in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
This study tested three hypotheses examining whether the demographic and socio‐economic characteristics of owner‐occupants and occupancy rates affect owner‐occupants' satisfaction with stakeholders' relationships. Data were collected through questionnaires from owner‐occupants of multi‐owner low‐cost settlements in Selangor state. Data on housing characteristics were collected from chairpersons of the respective owners' organisations. The data were treated as parametric, and analysis of variance was conducted.
Findings
Four factors – number of children in the family, duration of residency, participation in social activities and participation in meetings – were found to affect owners‐occupants' satisfaction with the stakeholders' relationships. The significant effect of occupancy rates was also indicated.
Practical implications
The Management Corporations (MCs) should encourage social relationships among residents. To avoid conflict, the costs and benefits of participation must be balanced. Policy makers should take two key aspects seriously: owner‐managed strategy practices by the MCs and high rates of tenant‐residents. A mechanism should be identified for assisting the MCs in housing management and for protecting the benefits of homeownership for owner‐occupants.
Originality/value
Past studies on low‐income household settlements examined public housing or low‐income homeowners of single detached dwellings. This study adds to the existing body of knowledge by examining low‐income homeowners in multi‐owner low‐cost settlements.
Keywords
Citation
Rima Muhamad Ariff, N. and Davies, H. (2011), "Multi‐owner low‐cost housing management in Malaysia: Effects of owner‐occupant characteristics and occupancy rates", International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, Vol. 4 No. 3, pp. 268-289. https://doi.org/10.1108/17538271111153031
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited