Housing Satisfaction in Finland with Regard to Area, Dwelling Type and Tenure Status.

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive examination of housing satisfaction in Finland and how it associates with different types of residential area, dwelling and tenure status taking into account socio-demographic and socioeconomic variables. Associations between housing satisfaction and types of residential area, dwelling and tenure status were analysed by multivariate logistic regression using questionnaire data from a random sample of Finnish households (response rate 44%, N=1,308). Respondents from rural areas and those living in houses were statistically significantly (p<0.05) more satisfied with indoor thermal conditions in summer than respondents living in city centres (OR 2.01) and apartments (OR 1.75), respectively. Homeowners were more satisfied with the dwelling (OR 3.19), indoor air quality (OR 1.73) and thermal conditions in winter (OR 2.63), and reported moisture or mould damage (OR 0.37) and neighbour noise disturbance (OR 0.60) less frequently than tenants. Based on this study, the most important factors determining differences in housing satisfaction were tenure status and type of the dwelling. In the context of housing policy development, these results warrant a special consideration of housing quality in rental apartments. The results can also be used for making comparative assessments (e.g. detecting areas of relative strengths or needing improvement) of multifamily buildings and residential areas.