An assessment of the impact of commercial land use on residential housing. A case study of Auchi, Edo State

Abstract

Auchi’s strategic location as a commercial hub has led to a significant expansion of its economy, resulting in a complex interplay between residential living conditions and economic development. The goal of this study was to determine how commercial activity affects residential housing in Auchi in order to raise the standard of housing there. In order to raise Auchi’s housing quality, this study aims to evaluate how commercial activity affects residential housing. In order to accomplish this goal, the following goals were taken into account: figuring out why residential housing in Auchi was converted to commercial use; figuring out what mixed-use housing Auchi has; figuring out what commercial activity is currently taking place on the city’s stock of residential housing; figuring out how these commercial activities affect Auchi’s residential housing; and figuring out the overall effects of commercial activity on Auchi’s residential housing. 155 questionnaires were distributed to various study areas’ quarters as part of a quantitative research methodology. The basic percentage method was employed to analyze the gathered data. The research findings indicate that although commercial activities have created job opportunities and drawn many individuals and families to Auchi, there are drawbacks as well. Firstly, there is an increasing demand for space, which results in the conversion of residential properties into commercial establishments. This reduces the supply of residential housing for locals, causing a shortage and an increase in housing prices. Based on the research’s findings, the following recommendations were made: the government should enact laws regulating property prices and rentals to ensure that they stay within the reach of locals; collaborate with private developers to construct affordable housing units in Auchi in order to alleviate the city’s housing scarcity; enforce laws governing noise pollution in order to reduce disturbances caused by commercial activity in residential areas; and promote mixed-use development in Auchi, which enables locals to live close to places of employment while preserving their ability to balance their personal and professional lives.