Homebuyers’ Expectations for the Affordable Housing in Kolkata, India: A Kano–Kendall Approach

International Journal of Civil Engineering

© 2025 by SSRG - IJCE Journal

Volume 12 Issue 11

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Sujoy Biswas, Arjun Mukerji

10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I11P119

How to Cite?

Sujoy Biswas, Arjun Mukerji, "Homebuyers’ Expectations for the Affordable Housing in Kolkata, India: A Kano–Kendall Approach," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 11, pp. 259-271, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I11P119

Abstract:

This study examines what homebuyers expect from affordable houses in a Tier-1 city. It also examines whether homebuyers’ expectations exhibit any shared patterns. Eighty-three housing attributes, identified from the literature, were used to assess homebuyers’ expectations. Using a 5-point Likert-type scale, satisfaction and dissatisfaction responses were gathered from the residents of 32 housing complexes across the Kolkata Metropolitan Area. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were checked using Cronbach’s Alpha and Bivariate Pearson’s correlation. The housing attributes were further grouped into the Kano Model, using a Continuous Scale method, and the coefficient of concordance (w) was used to test users’ consensus. The results show only 20 parameters displayed strong consensus (w = 0.501–0.917, p < 0.05). Features such as natural ventilation, good roads, street lighting, and proximity to a fire station or local market were classified as ‘must-be’. Attributes such as a robust sewer system, a potable water supply in the kitchen, smooth lift operation, on-time transfer of possession, traffic-free surroundings, the absence of obnoxious activities, proximity to a police station, and festive celebrations showed proportional influence and were grouped into the ‘performance’ category. Only one parameter (absence of neighbourhood noise) emerged as an attractive feature. Features such as furnished interiors, street furniture, and proximity to a few local commercial outlets showed negligible influence and were grouped into the ‘indifferent’ category. The study applies a unique approach to measure homebuyers’ expectations by integrating the Kano Model and Kendall’s Concordance test, and ultimately deriving practical, evidence-based recommendations for developers and policymakers.

Keywords:

Residential Real Estate, Homebuyers’ Expectations, Kendalls’ Concordance, KANO Model, Kolkata.

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