EVALUATION OF THERMAL COMFORT AND RENTAL VALUES OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES IN UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE

Thermal comfort and rental values of residential properties are very vital in the economic growth of any nation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of thermal comfort on rental values of residential buildings in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state. In order to attain the stated aim, the following objectives were set; to examine the thermal comfort of residential properties in the study area, to determine the rental values of residential real estate and to establish the relationship between thermal comfort and rental values of residential properties in the study area. The research employed the survey design. Simple random sampling technique was used to obtain sixty (60) respondents from thirty-seven (37) residences. The independent variable was thermal comfort while the dependent variable was the rental values of 2-bedroom bungalows. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the analysis of the data, with the help of Microsoft Excel software. the average temperatures and humid percentages of residential properties (2-bedroom bungalows) in the study area with the highest average temperature being 27.470C observed in Etoi 2 the least being 24.180C observed in Uyo Urban 3 ward. Finally, in the establishment of the relationship between the independent and the dependent variables, the study revealed there was a significant relationship between humidity and the average rental values and a non-significant relationship between temperature and the average rental values implying that temperature in the study area does not affect the average rental values of 2-bedroom bungalows. However, the study recommended that the thermal condition of 2-bedroom bungalows in Uyo should be improved, by adopting and improving on the design potentials of the residences. in addition to contributing to the growing literature, the study also contributes to knowledge by resolving the question on whether and to what extent thermal comfort influence real estate values in Akwa Ibom State. Nevertheless, the study will serve as a springboard upon which similar studies can be conceived and undertaken in the nearest future.