An assessment of the impact of studio apartments on unaffordable urban housing in Kampala

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the emerging national trend of studio apartments and to assess their potential as a solution for the ongoing unaffordable urban housing with emphasis being Kampala. As the concept is already a researched area in foreign real estate markets, the lack of research on the demand and supply for studio apartments in Uganda despite the highest population of single households and rising housing prices was identified as a research gap. The aim of the research is to identify the most significant opportunities and obstacles of the studio type apartments concept applied for the growing real estate market as well as creating awareness for the potential housing solution to single young people. The study adopted a survey research study design, mixed research method approach of both quantitative and qualitative methods, and utilized questionnaires plus interview guides as tools of data collection. The approach of the research was to conduct empirical studies in the form of interviews with experts in the field and conduct a survey measuring consumer preferences and opinions. Furthermore, secondary data was collected in the form of statistical data and extensive literature on the existing research on studio apartments in the housing market and economic outlooks for the region. After having attained a 73% response rate, 63% of the respondents affirmed the affordability of studio apartments relating it to low cost of construction and also its aesthetic flexibility in design and maintenance. The originality and the value of the study lies in providing practical information for developers, new young professionals and researchers specifically for Kampala.