Abstract
Purpose: There is an integral link between theory and measurement suggesting that
validation of measures should be the first stage of theory testing. The aim of the present
study was to validate the factorial validity of needs and expectations features as
determinants of low-income residents’ housing satisfaction in South Africa.
Methodology: Empirical data were collected by a questionnaire survey conducted
among 751 low-income housing residents’ in three metropolitan and one district
municipality in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Data gathered via the
questionnaire survey were analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) version
6.2 which was used to assess the factorial structure of the constructs.
Findings: SEM analysis revealed that the internal consistency coefficients were over
0.70 criterions for acceptability and the constructs showed a good mode fit to the
sample data. The Z-statistics analysis revealed that the construct (needs and
expectations) have direct influence in determining low-income residents’ satisfaction
with their houses.
Conclusion: The SEM result advocates a practical consideration of the construct and its
respective indicator variables in future development of low-income housing in South
Africa.