This study evaluates the residential environments of fi ve low-income
and three medium-income public housing estates in Lagos, Nigeria. The specifi c
objectives were: to appraise the physical characteristics of residential buildings
in the estates; to examine the socio-economic characteristics of the residents;
to determine the relative levels of residents ’ satisfaction; and to analyse the
relationship between the physical characteristics and residents ’ satisfaction. The
methodology involves an expert rating appraisal conducted by four evaluators and
a survey of residents ’ satisfaction. Ten performance criteria were developed and
used in assessing the characteristics of the residential environments. Data relating
to residents ’ satisfaction were obtained by means of structured questionnaire
administered on a systematic sample of 806 household heads, from a sampling
frame of 8060 housing units. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive
and inferential statistics. The study revealed a gap in quality between the mediumand
low-income estates. The results also showed that 62 per cent of the physical
characteristics of the residences are highly correlated with residents ’ satisfaction
( r = 0.62). This buttresses the signifi cance of the physical characteristics of
residences in determining the level of residents ’ satisfaction. Such information will
enhance the skills of architects and housing administrators to ascertain specifi c
actions that can maximize more satisfactory housing provisions and minimize
dissatisfaction as much as possible.

• Post-occupancy evaluation and residents ’ satisfaction with public housing in Lagos, Nigeria