Appraisal of residential satisfaction in two double-storey terrace housing neighborhoods in greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract

Since 1970s, Malaysia has experienced rapid urbanization which is associated with growing urban population and increasing households’ income. Thus, Malaysian government has facilitated various types of housing units in order to accommodate different income groups. Even though, double-storey terrace housing is considered as popular housing type among the middle income people particularly in urban areas, some empirical studies identified that, increasing in crime rate in urban areas and lack of ventilation and natural lighting in this type of housing units led to residents’ dissatisfaction. As a result, double-storey terrace house is found as the most modified house in Malaysia. Therefore, this research aims to appraise residential satisfaction in two double-storey terrace housing neighbourhoods- Taman Sri Rampai and Taman Keramat Permai in Greater Kuala Lumpur. The research data was obtained from a random sample of 220 survey questionnaires distributed equitably among the residents of two neighbourhoods. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to examine the levels of satisfaction and to explore residents’ behaviours. The findings of the research indicate that the levels of residential satisfaction are generally low with physical features, housing support services, and social environment in two neighbourhoods. On the other hand, residents’ satisfaction level is high with public facilities. While the level of residential satisfaction is high with neighbourhood facilities in Taman Keramat, it is moderate in Taman Sri Rampai. The findings also explore that the most modified spaces are essential spaces followed by complemental spaces and special spaces. Finally the findings show that two-thirds of the residents in Taman Keramat Permai prefer to stay in their current area other than half of residents in Taman Sri Rampai prefer to stay. Recommendations generally seek to increase the low levels of satisfaction among residents in two neighbourhoods.