Residential Property Characteristics, Quality and Occupancy Duration in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Residential quality is widely regarded as a key determinant of how long households remain in a dwelling, yet empirical evidence quantifying this relationship in medium-sized Nigerian cities remains limited. This study examined the characteristics of residential properties in Minna, assessed the level of residential quality across selected neighbourhoods, and determined the factors influencing residential occupancy duration among households. A survey research design was adopted, with structured questionnaires administered to 400 households across four residential clusters: Chanchaga (F-Layout), Tudun Wada North, Bosso Central II, and Tudun Wada South (Tunga Low-Cost). Of these, 341 questionnaires were retrieved and analysed (85.25% response rate). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression. Findings revealed considerable variation in housing typologies and quality across clusters, with an overall Mean Residential Quality Index of 3.25 (moderate quality). Structural stability, ventilation and security were rated favourably, while water supply, drainage, sanitation and waste disposal were rated poorly. Multiple regression showed that residential quality (β = 0.884, p < 0.001), ownership status (β = 1.565, p < 0.001) and household income (β = 0.000019, p < 0.001) significantly predicted occupancy duration, while a weak but significant correlation (r = 0.19, p < 0.001) was found between quality and duration. The study concludes that residential quality, tenure security and income jointly shape residential stability in Minna, and recommends targeted quality upgrades, infrastructure investment and ownership-support schemes to reduce unnecessary residential turnover.