An Assessment of the Causes and Consequences of Abandoned Residential Properties in Benin City Nigeria

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@article{1725042,
      author = {Adah Okechukwu Uchenna, Ikeotuonye Chiadika Matilda, Ogbogo Rosemary Nwannedinma},
      title = {An Assessment of the Causes and Consequences of Abandoned Residential Properties in Benin City Nigeria},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {10},
      number = {5},
      pages = {2504-2521},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1725042.pdf},
      abstract = {Residential property abandonment poses challenges to housing utilization, property market performance and sustainable urban development. This study examined the determinants and socioeconomic consequences of residential property abandonment in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, targeting 8,450 landlords, real estate agents and building contractors. A sample of 382 respondents was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, and stratified and convenience sampling techniques were employed. Structured questionnaires yielded 344 valid responses, representing a 90.1% response rate. Data were analysed using frequencies, means and standard deviations, with a 2.50 decision benchmark. The findings revealed that residential property abandonment is prevalent in established estates and emerging layouts. Major determinants include land disputes, high construction costs, economic instability, inadequate building finance, inconsistent housing policies and inheritance disputes. Reported consequences include reduced housing availability, increased rental prices, uneven housing distribution, declining property values, environmental degradation, crime-related concerns, squatting and increased public management costs. The study recommends strengthening land administration and building regulation enforcement, improving access to housing finance, establishing effective dispute-resolution mechanisms, and promoting property rehabilitation and adaptive reuse through appropriate incentives and public awareness. The study provides location-specific evidence to inform property management and urban housing policies in Benin City.},
      keywords = {residential property abandonment, determinants, socioeconomic consequences, housing finance, property management, urban development, Benin City, Nigeria},
      month = {November},
  }