THE EFFECT OF URBAN AMENITIES AVAILABILITY, FUNCTIONALITY AND EXCELLENCES ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY VALUE: THE CASE OF NIFAS SILK LAFTO SUB CITY IN ADDIS ABABA

This study investigates the impact of physical and social infrastructure on residential rental values across five neighbourhoods in Nefas Silk Lafto Sub-City, Addis Ababa. Adopting a pragmatic research paradigm, the study applied a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data to generate comprehensive and actionable insights. A descriptive survey design coupled with a case study strategy was employed, using structured questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations for primary data collection. The study sampled 384 households using stratified random sampling, with an additional 12 key informants purposively selected for qualitative input. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, applying descriptive, correlation, and multivariate regression techniques. Qualitative data were analysed thematically, following Braun and Clarke’s model. The findings reveal a strong and statistically significant relationship between infrastructure quality and residential rental values. Physical infrastructure components such as road quality, water supply, electricity reliability, and drainage systems positively influenced rental prices. Similarly, social infrastructure elements—particularly educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and security services—had a positive impact, whereas community centers showed a marginally negative effect on perceived rental value. The study also uncovered spatial disparities in satisfaction with infrastructure services across neighbourhoods, with Jemo 01 Condominium Area reporting the highest satisfaction and Furi St Geberal Area the lowest. Based on these findings, the study recommends strategic investments in physical infrastructure specially road and water systems—as well as improved delivery and distribution of essential social services. Urban planners and policymakers are encouraged to incorporate data-driven decision-making tools into infrastructure planning to support equitable and sustainable urban development. The study further emphasizes the importance of improving infrastructure accessibility, quality, and maintenance to maximize their positive influence on housing markets. Future research should integrate objective market data (e.g., actual rental prices), consider additional urban variables such as transportation networks and crime rates, and explore longitudinal designs to examine infrastructure impacts over time. Such extensions would enhance the robustness of findings and inform more holistic urban policy interventions.