The Influence of Educational Facilities on Rental Values and Vacancy Rate in Apo Resettlement Scheme FCT Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of educational facilities on rental values and vacancy rates within the Apo Resettlement Scheme, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Recognizing education as a fundamental social amenity, the research aims to examine how the proximity, quality, and availability of educational institutions affect residential property dynamics in a rapidly urbanizing resettlement area. Employing a quantitative research approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 150 tenants, landlords, and property managers. Additional data on property locations and educational facilities were verified through site observations and geospatial mapping. Using statistical analyses including Pearson correlation, linear regression, and logistic regression, the study tested three key hypotheses: (1) proximity to educational facilities influences rental values, (2) quality and availability of schools affect vacancy rates, and (3) tenants’ housing preferences are significantly shaped by access to educational facilities. Findings reveal a strong positive correlation between rental values and closeness to schools, with properties nearer to well-equipped educational institutions commanding higher rents. Furthermore, vacancy rates were significantly lower in properties adjacent to quality schools, indicating educational infrastructure’s role in sustaining occupancy. Tenant preferences analysis showed households with school-aged children are more likely to prioritize educational access when selecting rental properties. The study concludes that educational facilities are critical determinants of housing market performance in Apo Resettlement, contributing to increased rental yields, reduced vacancies, and informed tenant choices. These insights underscore the importance of integrating educational infrastructure planning into urban housing development strategies to foster sustainable community growth. The study recommends policymakers, urban planners, and developers prioritize school provision in resettlement schemes and encourages further research into other social amenities influencing housing markets. By bridging gaps in existing literature, this research provides empirical evidence that educational amenities are not merely social services but significant economic drivers in residential real estate, with implications for urban planning and housing policy in Abuja and similar contexts.