Sustainable Urban Renewal and Green Housing Innovations: A Valuer’s Perspective on Emerging Trends in Nigerian Cities

This study investigates professionals’ perspectives on the valuation of green housing features in the context of urban renewal in Benin City, Nigeria. The objective was to assess levels of awareness, adoption, willingness to pay (WTP) and perceived valuation impacts of sustainable features, as well as to identify barriers to mainstream adoption. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving survey data from 97 professionals, which are, estate surveyors and valuers, developers, planners and policymakers, and 15 follow-up interviews. Descriptive statistics, correlation, regression and ANOVA were applied. Results indicate moderate awareness, with energy efficiency (M= 3.42) and solar systems (M = 3.05) most widely recognized. WTP analysis revealed that 59.8% of respondents believed buyers would pay premiums averaging 8.5%. Regression results showed that energy efficiency, solar systems, water management and indoor environmental quality significantly predicted valuation premiums (Adjusted R² = 0.53). ANOVA indicated significant differences across professional groups (F = 3.20, p = 0.024), with developers projecting higher premiums. Qualitative findings emphasized barriers including lack of valuation guidelines, high costs and limited policy incentives. Triangulation confirmed that energy efficiency and solar systems are regarded as the most value-enhancing features. The study concludes that green housing has measurable potential to enhance property values and support sustainable urban renewal in Benin City. It recommends standardized valuation guidelines, fiscal incentives, consumer sensitization and professional training to mainstream adoption and strengthen sustainability integration in the housing market.