This study examined the variability of dwelling density across different classifications of multifamily apartments built by Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) in Lagos, Nigeria. Six design prototypes used to build several multifamily apartments in four estates were purposively selected as case study. The focus was on comparing how the interior spaces in the six multifamily prototype apartments were occupied during habitation. Overall population of apartments studied was 7,764 representing the total number of apartments in the four purposively selected estates. A sample of 7.5% (582) was chosen using stratification and systematic random techniques. A survey research technique was adopted to obtain responses to pre-tested questionnaires regarding the demographic data of occupants. Data analysis was done by applying adult-equivalent number of occupants based on Canadian National Occupancy Standards (CNOS) and the Equivalized Crowding Index (ECI). The intensity of dwelling density during habitation across various apartment classifications was presented in two parts namely single measure and group measure. The results obtained using the group measure show that households containing three to five persons were the most dominant in all apartment types. The result also shows that there was no substantial disparity in dwelling density across different apartment classifications when analyzed using single measure approach. This finding was supported by the results of a chi-square test which found that, at 95% confidence level, apartment type had no significant effect on dwelling density in LSDPC's multifamily apartments. The findings are important for policy issues that relate apartment types to household sizes and crowding. The results are also relevant for policies regarding provision of infrastructure and other complementary facilities in government-built estates to improve residents' welfare and quality of life.

This study evaluated how occupants' socio-economic status affect household crowding in multifamily walk-up apartments built by the government for low and medium income dwellers in Lagos, Nigeria. The focus was on Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) as a case study, using survey research design approach. Four large housing estates with a population of 7,764 dwelling units were purposively chosen from locations at Abesan, Iba, Ikoyi and Ebute-Metta. A sample of 7.5% (582) was selected, using systematic and stratification techniques. Pre-tested questionnaires were used to obtain responses from household heads pertaining to number of persons and demographic data for each housing unit. A return rate of 30.2% was recorded. Socio-economic grouping of households was derived using a monthly income estimate for the head of household. Households were grouped into low, medium and high income categories. Data analysis was done by applying adult-equivalent number of occupants to the Canadian National Occupancy Standards (CNOS) and the Equivalized Crowding Index (ECI). The results indicate a preponderance of gentrification, with attendant policy implications. The results also show that there is no significant difference in the degree of crowding among the different socio-economic classifications. This is inconsistent with the generally held understanding in urban housing studies that crowding rates are higher in low income households than in medium and high income households. The findings tend to suggest that LSDPC should adopt appropriate strategies to forestall the disappearance of low income households from its multifamily apartments.