Abstract:
Spontaneous physical housing transformation, SPHT, occurs when physical alterations are carried out on housing without recourse to building
regulations by different age groups. This housing phenomenon is rampant among the informal housing sector of the study area. The study thus
examines the impact of age on spontaneous physical housing transformations, SPHT, carried out among the informal housing in Abeokuta.
Descriptive research design was employed using a survey questionnaire as an instrument for the data collection. A total of 400 structured
questionnaire samples were randomly administered to the residents of the study neighbourhoods. A total of 185 samples were retrieved and 118
samples valid, representing a 64% response rate. The valid data were analysed by descriptive and one-way ANOVA statistical analyses. The
results indicate statistical significance of SPHT within the age groups examined. A further Tukey’s post hoc test conducted on the data revealed
that SPHT occurred across the age groups examined. However, SPHT is significantly higher among the age groups of 25-55years. The
transformation diminishes among the age groups of 56-75 years. These findings show that age group is a demographic factor influencing SPHT
in urban informal housing of Abeokuta. There is the need to incorporate demographic factor, age, in urban SPHT policy formulation to
accommodate the transformation need of the age groups Need for planned housing transformations needed for health and quality built
environment required for sustainable built environment. The study concludes that there is a need for urban SPHT policy for urban housing
sustainability in line with SDG Goal 11.
