Assessing the impact of urbanization on rental values of residential space in Kampala, Uganda.

Abstract

Kampala experiences an average annual population growth rate of 5.6% mainly due to rural-urban migration which creates an increase in demand for affordable housing. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that employed both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies conducted among 254 respondents; KCCA officials, landlords/ ladies and tenants to determine the effect of urbanization on the price of rental residential property. The findings reveal that while both residential and commercial developments exist, commercial use currently dominates the division. The study identifies complex land use patterns with residential and commercial areas intertwined in different clusters. The research highlights a significant increase in the demand for rental properties due to rural-urban migration, self-settlement of refugees, and population growth. The research contributes to the understanding of the housing market dynamics in Kampala and provides insights for policymakers and urban planners to make informed decisions regarding land use and development strategies. The findings underscore the need for interventions that promote the availability of affordable residential space in response to urbanization. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of the research, including the limited data availability and the challenges in acquiring primary data related to population growth rates and land use patterns. Future research could further investigate the supply side of the housing market and explore additional factors influencing the quality of residential space in Rubaga Division.