Purpose This study investigates the impact of energy-efficient features on university students’ perceptions of rent affordability in Northern Ghana. Design/methodology/approach Employing a quantitative research design, the study analysed survey data from 320 students residing in purpose-built hostels across three universities in Northern Ghana. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the impact of economic, environmental, social and technological factors on students’ perceptions of rental affordability. The research framework was grounded in the value–belief–norm (VBN) theory. Findings The analysis revealed that energy-efficient attributes, such as reduced utility costs and improved indoor comfort, have a positive influence on perceptions of affordability. Nevertheless, students’ evaluations were more heavily shaped by tangible factors, including the actual rent price, housing type and proximity to campus. Although energy-efficient housing offers potential long-term savings, most students exhibited reluctance to pay a premium for these features, mainly due to constrained financial resources and limited awareness of the associated benefits. Practical implications The findings highlight the importance of tenant education and the implementation of policy incentives to promote sustainable and affordable housing options for students. Universities and private developers are encouraged to integrate affordability with targeted awareness campaigns when designing and marketing student accommodations. Originality/value This research offers original insights by focusing on student renters in the Global South, an often-underrepresented group in housing market studies. The study offers valuable and context-specific perspectives on the intersection of affordability and sustainability within emerging rental markets.
Appau et al. (Sat,) studied this question.