Assessing the relationship between house types and residential satisfaction in Tabriz, Iran

This research investigates the association between house type and residential satisfaction in terms of neighbourhood and dwelling acceptability to occupants. Using a questionnaire survey, 328 households were sampled to evaluate the perceived residential satisfaction among three major house types of single-unit houses, multi-unit apartment houses and housing complexes in Tabriz, Iran. One-way analysis of variance and categorical regression analysis were used to analyse the data. Data analysis indicated that a significant relationship exists between house type and residential satisfaction with respect to selected variables of building amenities, privacy of dwelling units, school accessibility, quality of access roads and satisfaction with neighbours. Results of regression analysis revealed that the main predictors of residential satisfaction are not the same for all house types. While neighbourhood characteristics are the main predictors of residential satisfaction for all house types in Tabriz, building characteristics impact only satisfaction of apartment residents. This study has implications for residential planning in Iran, and confirms the need for housing planners and development agencies to consider relevant aspects of users' preferences, which include their quest for suitable house types, when conceptualizing housing designs and residential development.