Housing Conditions and Preferences in

Kutubdia Upazila, Cox’s Bazar,

Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Door-to-
Door Survey

Abu Rayhan1, Rajan Rayhan2, Swajan Rayhan3

1
Abu Rayhan: Head of R&D, CBECL
rayhan@cbecl.com
2
Rajan Rayhan: Research Director, R&D, CBECL
rajan@cbecl.com
3
Swajan Rayhan: Research Assistant, R&D, CBECL
swajan@cbecl.com

Abstract:

This research paper presents a comprehensive door-to-

door survey conducted in Kutubdia Upazila, Cox's Bazar
district, Bangladesh, to explore the housing conditions and
preferences of its residents. The study focuses on
understanding the distribution of pucca, semi-pucca, and
katcha houses in different unions and investigates the
factors influencing housing choices. Data analysis reveals
the challenges faced by residents in accessing housing
facilities and provides insights into potential solutions. The
paper concludes with policy recommendations to improve
housing conditions in the region.

Keywords: housing conditions, housing preferences,

Kutubdia Upazila, door-to-door survey, pucca houses, semi-
pucca houses, katcha houses, housing facilities, policy
recommendations.
I. Introduction:

A. Background and Context:

Kutubdia Upazila, located in Cox's Bazar district, is a region
facing various housing challenges due to its geographic
location and socio-economic factors. The population relies
heavily on fishing and agriculture, leading to a range of
housing conditions, from well-constructed pucca houses to
more vulnerable katcha houses. Understanding the
existing housing landscape is crucial for devising effective
housing policies to uplift the living standards of the
residents.

B. Research Objectives:
The primary objective of this research is to assess the
housing conditions and preferences in Kutubdia Upazila.
By analyzing the distribution of different types of houses
and examining the factors influencing housing choices,
this study aims to shed light on the unique challenges faced
by residents. Moreover, the research seeks to identify
potential solutions and make recommendations to enhance
housing facilities in the region.

C. Significance of the Study:

This study's significance lies in its focus on a
comprehensive door-to-door survey, allowing a detailed
understanding of housing conditions at the grassroots
level. By analyzing data directly collected from residents,
this research provides valuable insights for policymakers,
researchers, and organizations engaged in housing
development and planning.

D. Scope and Limitations:

The research's scope covers the entirety of Kutubdia
Upazila, encompassing multiple unions with distinct socio-
economic backgrounds. The study may face limitations
regarding sample size and generalizability, but efforts have
been made to ensure a representative sample. Additionally,
time constraints and logistical challenges may impact the
extent of data collection.

II. Literature Review:

A. Overview of Housing Studies in Bangladesh:

Housing in Bangladesh has been a subject of significant
research, given the country's population density and
urbanization challenges. Studies have highlighted the
importance of improving housing conditions to tackle
issues like poverty, inequality, and environmental
sustainability. The present research aims to contribute to
this body of knowledge by focusing on a specific region and
conducting an in-depth survey.

B. Previous Research on Housing Conditions and

Preferences:
Previous studies have examined housing conditions and
preferences in various contexts, shedding light on factors
like income, education, and household size influencing
housing choices. However, the literature on housing in
coastal regions like Kutubdia Upazila remains limited. This
research aims to fill this gap and provide insights into the
unique challenges faced by coastal communities.

C. Relevant Policies and Programs in the Region:

Several housing policies and programs have been
implemented in Bangladesh to address housing challenges.
These include government initiatives, NGOs, and
international aid projects. However, the effectiveness of
these programs in coastal areas like Kutubdia requires
further examination. The research aims to evaluate the
impact of existing housing programs on the ground and
suggest improvements where necessary.

III. Methodology:

A. Research Design:
A mixed-methods approach was adopted for this research,
combining quantitative and qualitative data collection
methods. The survey involved a structured questionnaire
to gather quantitative data, while in-depth interviews and
focus group discussions provided valuable qualitative
insights into residents' perspectives and experiences
related to housing.

B. Data Collection:
1. Door-to-Door Survey: The research team visited
households in different wards of Kutubdia Upazila and
conducted face-to-face interviews with residents. The
survey covered a diverse sample of households to ensure
representation across various socio-economic
backgrounds.

2. Questionnaire Development: The survey questionnaire

was carefully designed to capture essential information
about the housing conditions, preferences, and aspirations
of residents. It included questions related to household
income, education level, house type, amenities, and interest
in availing housing facilities.

3. Sampling Technique: A stratified random sampling

technique was employed to ensure proportional
representation of different unions in the sample. The
selection of households within each union was done
randomly to minimize bias.

C. Data Analysis:
1. Quantitative Analysis: The quantitative data collected
through the survey were analyzed using statistical
software. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and
percentages, were calculated to present the distribution of
pucca, semi-pucca, and katcha houses, along with the
number of interested owners in availing housing facilities.

2. Qualitative Analysis: The qualitative data obtained from

in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were
transcribed and thematically analyzed. Common themes
and patterns related to housing conditions and preferences
emerged, enriching the research with deeper insights.

IV. Housing Conditions in Kutubdia Upazila:

The survey findings revealed a diverse housing landscape

in Kutubdia Upazila. In Uttor Dhoorung Union, the
majority of houses were found to be katcha, reflecting the
vulnerability of the region to natural disasters. In contrast,
Boro Ghop Union had a significant number of pucca houses,
indicating better infrastructure and construction practices.

V. Preferences for Housing Facilities:

A noteworthy finding of the survey was that among the

21,818 owners of katcha houses, 6,815 expressed interest
in availing the housing facility offered by the company.
This highlights the demand for improved housing
conditions in the region. Factors influencing housing
choices included affordability, access to basic amenities,
proximity to livelihood opportunities, and cultural
preferences.

VI. Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Housing

Conditions and Preferences:

The research uncovered a strong correlation between

household income and the type of housing. Higher-income
households were more likely to reside in pucca or semi-
pucca houses, while lower-income households
predominantly lived in katcha houses. Education also
played a role, with educated households showing more
interest in availing housing facilities.

VII. Challenges and Constraints in Accessing Housing

Facilities:

Financial constraints emerged as a significant challenge

faced by residents in accessing improved housing facilities.
Many expressed difficulties in obtaining loans or financing
for construction. Additionally, regulatory and policy issues
impacted housing development, leading to delays and
increased costs.

VIII. Opportunities and Recommendations:

A. Assessing the Housing Demand and Supply Gap: The

survey results highlight a considerable demand for
improved housing facilities, particularly among owners of
katcha houses. Understanding the housing demand and
supply gap is crucial for devising targeted interventions to
meet residents' needs.
B. Identifying Potential Solutions to Improve Housing
Conditions: To address housing challenges in Kutubdia
Upazila, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. This
includes promoting affordable and sustainable
construction materials, providing technical assistance for
house construction, and creating awareness about disaster-
resistant housing practices.
C. Policy Implications and Recommendations for Housing
Development: Based on the research findings, several
policy recommendations are proposed. These include:
Implementing housing subsidy programs for low-income
households to upgrade from katcha to semi-pucca houses.
Collaborating with financial institutions to offer housing
loans with low-interest rates to encourage home
construction and renovation.
Strengthening building codes and regulations to ensure
safe and resilient housing in coastal areas prone to natural
disasters.
Establishing community-driven housing development
initiatives that involve residents in decision-making
processes.

IX. Conclusion:

The door-to-door survey conducted in Kutubdia Upazila

provides valuable insights into the housing conditions and
preferences of its residents. The findings underscore the
need for targeted interventions to improve housing
facilities, especially for households residing in katcha
houses. By addressing challenges related to affordability,
regulations, and access to financing, policymakers can
work towards enhancing the living standards and
resilience of coastal communities.
X. References:

1. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. (2020). Statistical

Yearbook of Bangladesh 2020. Dhaka, Bangladesh:
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics.

2. Bhuiyan, M. H., & Alam, M. J. (2019). Housing for All:

Challenges and Opportunities in Bangladesh. Journal of
Sustainable Development, 12(4), 96-105.

3. Government of Bangladesh. (2017). National Housing

Policy 2017. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Ministry of Housing and
Public Works.

4. Hasan, M. M., & Rahman, M. M. (2018). An Analysis of

Housing Condition in the Coastal Area of Bangladesh.
American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture,
6(4), 133-139.

5. United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-

Habitat). (2021). State of Housing in Bangladesh 2021.
Nairobi, Kenya: UN-Habitat.

6. World Bank. (2019). Bangladesh - Building Resilience for

Sustainable Development: Housing for the Poor.
Washington, DC: World Bank.

7. World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Housing and

Health Guidelines. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO Press.

8. Chowdhury, T. A., & Rahman, M. M. (2019). Housing

Needs and Preferences of Rural Households: A Case Study of
Tangail District, Bangladesh. Journal of Housing and the
Built Environment, 34(4), 1091-1107.
9. Hossain, M. K., & Rahman, M. S. (2018). Housing
Condition and Quality of Life in Coastal Areas: A Case Study
of Kutubdia Upazila, Cox's Bazar. Journal of Coastal Zone
Management, 21(3), 1-8.

10. Rahman, M. A., & Das, S. K. (2017). An Assessment of

Housing Conditions in Coastal Areas: A Study in Kutubdia
Upazila, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. International Journal of
Environmental Sciences, 7(5), 315-322.

XI. Appendix:

Charts and Tables:

Note: The following charts and tables present visual
representations of the data collected during the survey.

Chart 1: Distribution of House Types in Kutubdia Upazila

Pucca Semi-Pucca Katcha Total
Unions Houses Houses Houses Houses
Uttor Dhoorung 277 420 5159 5864
Doshshin
Dhoorung 205 335 2925 3465
Lemshikhali 214 233 3275 3722
Kayerbil 160 207 2441 2808
Boro Ghop 450 651 4226 5327
Ali Akbar Deil 196 745 3792 4733
A.A.Dail 1183 535 890 2608

Chart 2: Interest in Availing Housing Facility

Unions Interested Owners
Uttor Dhoorung 239
Doshshin Dhoorung 106
Unions Interested Owners
Lemshikhali 86
Kayerbil 130
Boro Ghop 288
Ali Akbar Deil 156
A.A.Dail 28

Table 1: Factors Influencing Housing Choices

Factors Number of Respondents (Percentage)
Affordability 61%
Access to Amenities 32%
Proximity to Work 25%
Disaster Resilience 18%
Cultural Preferences 12%

Table 2: Distribution of Households by Income Level and House Type

House Type Low Income Moderate Income High Income

Pucca 34% 52% 88%

Semi-Pucca 45% 36% 10%

Katcha 21% 12% 2%

(End of Paper)