Housing quality indicators: A systematic review

Abstract

A wealth of studies has demonstrated the significance of adequate or quality housing on occupant’s productivity, performance, comfort and health. However, insufficient data on the conditions of existing housing stocks and a lack of consensus measures of housing quality hinder housing developments from achieving residential needs. Due to the lack of quality indicators, the quality of housing is not often assessed. Therefore, this paper presents a systematic review using the PRISMA protocol to provide an overview of the housing quality indicators that can be employed to evaluate housing quality. The review consisted of 62 studies investigating 66 housing quality indicators. Each fall into one of eight categories, namely 1) dwelling unit architectural design characteristics and features; 2) user comfort; 3) housing site location and neighbourhood; 4) building services; 5) construction quality and stability; 6) economic aspect; 7) building maintenance; or 8) sustainability. The results show that investigating housing quality indicators is a growing research field where adequate ventilation was the most critical indicator of a quality home. Since the identified indicators are essential determinants of a quality house, architects and engineers can integrate these features at the design and construction stages in upgrading the conditions of dwellings while satisfying occupant’s comfort and quality of life. Further, governments can develop housing quality standards or regulations using these indicators to improve the quality of new housing constructions.