An Assessment of Factors Influencing Residential Property Values in Port Harcourt Urban Sprawl.

Rapid urban expansion has become a defining feature of many Nigerian cities, with significant implications for land use and property markets. This study examines the impact of urban sprawl on residential property values in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Specifically, it identifies the spatial characteristics of urban sprawl, evaluates differences in property values between sprawled and non-sprawled areas, and analyzes the factors influencing these values. A descriptive research design was adopted, and data were collected from residents and property owners across selected communities in Port Harcourt. Using a stratified random sampling technique, five communities -Elekahia, Nkpolu Orogbum, Oromenike, Ogbunabali, and Abuloma were selected from sprawled areas of the metropolis. A total of 399 respondents were surveyed through structured questionnaires, while secondary data were obtained from planning documents and property records. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and mean scores. The findings show that urban sprawl in Port Harcourt is characterized by informal housing, low-density development, poor transportation networks, rapid unplanned growth, and inadequate infrastructure. The study also reveals that residential property values are significantly higher in central areas compared to peripheral sprawled areas. However, property values in the urban fringe have increased in recent years due to growing housing demand. Key factors influencing property values include security, neighborhood planning, transportation accessibility, road networks, proximity to social amenities, and infrastructure availability. The study concludes that improved urban planning and infrastructure provision are essential for managing urban sprawl and supporting sustainable residential property development in Port Harcourt.