Purpose This paper attempts to examine the role of social attitudes, environmental knowledge and perceived behavioural control in determining green real estate purchase intention. Furthermore, the study also analyses the mediating effects of eco shame between environmental knowledge and green real estate purchase intention. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative study was conducted with 388 prospective homebuyers, selected based on the will to buy property in the near future. The study employs structural equation modelling to assess how the variables relate to each other and validate the proposed hypotheses. Findings The findings revealed that green real estate intention is significantly impacted by social attitude, environmental knowledge and control perceived behaviour. Further, the role of eco-shame mediates the relation between environmental understanding and purchasing behaviour to some degree, suggesting the possibility that green-aware consumers respond with more instances of eco-shame, improving their willingness to purchase green housing. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to psychological and social factors, perhaps indicating shifting tastes over time. Future studies may explore green real estate purchasing behaviour in different demographic and geographic settings, as well as explore how regulatory actions or financial incentives affect consumer behaviour. Practical implications This study provides helpful insights for real estate developers, policy-makers and marketers in assessing the importance of eco-awareness in influencing green housing demand. The developer can direct attention to environmental features within their housing projects; policy-makers may improve upon incentives and eco-certifications to increase adoption rates; marketers can engage in campaigns that harness the knowledge of the environment and hybrids of personal responsibility and social attitudes that construct a framework so consumers can respond to seeing their green housing purchase as synonymous with sustainable and socially acceptable housing. Overall, these efforts can improve consumer willingness to purchase sustainable real estate. Social implications The findings highlight the avenues that eco-awareness and eco-shame influence structural social change through the promotion of green housing. When members of social networks view green housing as a socially desirable change, it can generate collectively activated behavioural shifts towards more sustainable living. The societal benefits can be immense: reduced ecological footprints, healthier communities, more environmental stewardship, etc. As this research showed, highlighting green housing has the potential to connect individual-level responsibility to group well-being, producing lasting social and environmental dividends. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the very first to discuss the mediating role of eco-shame in the intention of buying green property. It presents significant implications for policy-makers, real estate developers and marketers through the highlighting of key behavioural factors affecting consumer choices for sustainable property.
Prefabricated construction is widely recognised for offering numerous sustainability benefits to the construction industry and plays a key role in advancing the sustainable objectives outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Australia, prefabrication is increasingly acknowledged as a key pathway to improving the environmental performance of the construction industry. However, its development remains limited, particularly in the low-rise housing sector in Australia. This study investigates the key environmental sustainability issues and challenges in the prefabricated low-rise housing sector in Australia. A systematic search of the Web of Science and Scopus databases was conducted in May 2025. A total of 46 articles were selected for qualitative synthesis of topic-related outcomes, using thematic analysis to synthesise the findings. The review identified four key themes of sustainability indicators for prefabricated low-rise housing in Australia: (1) circular economy, (2) material consumption in construction, (3) energy performance and efficiency, and (4) site disruption and appropriate strategies. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of sustainable development in the prefabricated construction and housing field and offer valuable insights for policymakers, developers, architects, and urban planners in both academia and industry.
Purpose Off-grid energy systems are emerging in luxury residential real estate as a response to demand for energy autonomy. Despite global momentum, there are few empirical studies on the economic viability of off-grid systems in Africa's real estate markets. This study assesses the economic returns of Off-Grid Energy Systems in Luxury homes in urban and peri-urban Ghana.Design/methodology/approach A quantitative framework grounded in transaction cost economics (TCE) theory was adopted. The research examined 555 luxury units in urban and peri-urban Accra, analysing household energy costs, system characteristics, property values and developer financial disclosures. Statistical methods, including one-way analysis of variance, multiple regression and hedonic pricing models, were applied to assess cost efficiency, return on investment (ROI) and value premiums.Findings Solar-hybrid systems involve a high capital investment (Ghana Cedis (GHS) 125,000-145,000) but generate significant annual savings (approximately GHS 9,000), an attractive ROI and price premiums of up to GHS 120,000. ROI is positively influenced by battery size, system age and location. Hedonic models confirm that off-grid features significantly affect property valuation.Practical implications Off-grid housing represents both a sustainable and economically strategic solution. Developers gain a market advantage in a volatile energy environment, although high upfront costs and regulatory gaps remain significant barriers to scaling.Originality/value This is the first empirical study in Africa to apply the theory of the circular economy to luxury off-grid housing, linking circular economy concepts with investment behaviour and offering new perspectives on energy independence in premium real estate markets.
Purpose This paper aims to identify the key determinants influencing apartment prices in Cazin, the largest city in the Una-Sana Canton, one of the ten cantons within the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, an entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The study focuses on apartment transactions recorded between 2018 and 2024. By analysing the most influential factors and understanding their interrelationships, this research seeks to provide valuable insights to a wide range of stakeholders, including government institutions, urban planners, real estate professionals, developers, educators and the general public, enabling them to make more informed decisions. Design/methodology/approach Based on the reviewed literature on studies focusing on housing prices and their influence factors, the hedonic pricing model and multiple regression analysis in line with that promulgated by Rosen (1974), are the most commonly used approaches. Consequently, this research will also use the above specification to identify the relevance of selected factors in explaining variability of new apartment prices in Cazin. Findings The results of this study indicate that the market value of apartments in Cazin is significantly influenced by six key variables: building quality, proximity to the main road, availability of green areas, floor level, parking access and distance from the city centre. Among these, building quality emerged as the most influential factor, highlighting buyers' strong preference for high-quality materials and modern construction standards. In contrast, the analysis revealed that apartment size did not have a statistically significant effect on market prices. Practical implications The study has important implications for various stakeholders, including valuers, buyers and sellers, financial institutions, real estate agents, investors and government authorities. This research will help valuers to identify market value determination factors. Market participants are highly interested in understanding how different factors influence property values. Financial institutions, among other reasons, need to understand value determination process of collaterals, insured properties, etc., while real estate agencies and investors have an interest in enhancing their decision-making processes. Social implications Local and other authorities need this information to develop better policies related to, among other things, taxation, construction and housing. Originality/value As far as the authors are aware, this study is the first quantitative research that utilises the hedonic pricing model and multiple regression analysis to identify the factors affecting apartment prices in B&H and their respective impact rates. It also highlights several specific factors affecting these prices that differ from those identified in prior research.
Purpose With the rapid urbanization rate in Malaysia, the built environment must adopt sustainable strategies to reduce energy consumption and enhance indoor thermal comfort. This study aims to evaluate the adoption and readiness of passive and active retrofit features in Malaysian residential buildings by comparing high-rise and landed properties, introducing the Retrofit Readiness Index (RRI) to address the gap in understanding homeowners' readiness and provide a diagnostic tool for targeted policy intervention. Design/methodology/approach A survey of 406 homeowners in Klang Valley, Malaysia, anchored in the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), assessed renovation motives, adoption, willingness to adopt and the RRI, which integrates both current and intended adoption of 12 retrofit features. Statistical analysis was performed to explain the variance in RRI scores between housing typologies. Findings Results indicate that landed homeowners demonstrate higher RRI scores (46.17%) compared to high-rise residents (36.78%), with significant differences observed in features such as main façade shading, roof insulation and solar panels. Willingness to spend emerged as the strongest predictor of retrofit readiness, whereas price, electricity savings and energy cost savings had limited influence. Both groups showed similar readiness for low-cost measures like tint films and balcony shading, but high-rise residents displayed greater readiness for building-level features like green roofs. These findings highlight the need for housing-type-specific strategies, including financial incentives, regulatory guidance and awareness campaigns, to enhance retrofit adoption. Originality/value This study introduces RRI, a novel composite metric that integrates adoption with behavioural intention, providing practical insights to inform tailored policies for improving energy efficiency in Malaysian homes.
PurposeApplication of modern technology to the global real estate sector through Property Technology (Proptech) is expected to reach exponential proportions in the immediate future. However, there are still lingering questions around awareness and adoption, particularly the awareness and adoption gap. This study, which focuses on Northwestern England, analyses the extent of awareness and adoption of Proptech with the view to providing insights into determinants, benefits and challenges contributing to the debate in the literature and helping to ensure that Proptech enhances real estate practice and market operations.Design/methodology/approachThe study focuses on Northwestern England. It uses the quantitative research methodology informed by the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory and technology acceptance model (TAM) as the theoretical lens and relies on a survey of real estate sector stakeholders in Northwestern England for its implementation, including data collection. Statistical techniques such as the T-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) are used to analyse the data.FindingsThe study establishes that overall awareness and adoption of Proptech in the real estate sector are high. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were found in awareness and adoption gaps for the different types of Proptech domains. Awareness exceeded adoption in the case of digital signatures (DS), property management software (PMS), customer relationship management (CRM), artificial intelligence (AI) and big data and analytics (BDA). Based on cost reduction, increase in productivity, convenience, operational speed (efficiency), volumes of data processing, promotion of sustainability practices and transparency, the stakeholders overall rated the benefits of Proptech as highly significant except for the last two attributes, which were rated averagely significant. Conversely, they rated the overall challenges as average or minor.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on Northwestern England, meaning its findings are limited to the said area, although useful lessons can be drawn from them for other areas. The findings suggest that awareness and adoption are uneven in the Proptech domains and current incentives for adoption of some of the Proptech domains across the real estate sector may not be enough. There is, therefore, a need for Proptech investors and the government to help provide the right and adequate incentives for all Proptech domains to ensure optimal uptake and to improve real estate practices and the smooth operations of real estate markets.Originality/valueThe originality of the article is steeped in its provision of new insights and additional data sets from Northwestern England.
Purpose The study arose because of myriad objections and consequent appeals to the tribunals regarding the municipal valuation estimates. This paper assesses valuation accuracy and uniformity levels relating to the City of Johannesburg's (CoJ's) general valuation roll (GVR) of 2018. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a quantitative approach underpinned by descriptive and inferential statistics. These statistical tools, including the Assessment Sales Ratio (ASR), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), were applied to a sample of secondary data on property assessments and sales obtained from the CoJ. The Price Related Differential (PRD), Price Related Bias (PRB), and Coefficient of Dispersion (COD) were used to test uniformity. Findings The results reveal the Median ASR, MAPE, and RMSE at 0.90, 19.05%, and R123,514.66, respectively. The uniformity measures for PRD, PRB, and COD are 1.02, −0.01, and 18.87%, respectively. In keeping with the IAAO standards, these results suggest an acceptable degree of accuracy and uniformity, which is fair to the rate payers of the low-valued properties. The results also underscore the critical need for the post-valuation date ratio analysis in South African municipalities, a step that cannot be delayed. Research limitations/implications The study relates to the compelling need for post-valuation independent ratio studies conducted on the GVRs, with specific consideration given to the assessed values. After the valuation date, the property sales were not sufficiently large for the sample; hence, remedial measures were taken to improve the sample's representativeness. Originality/value This is the first time a post-valuation date study on accuracy and uniformity of value estimates has been done in South Africa, thus proving an independent audit on the GVRs. Extending such practice to all local property rates and taxes municipalities in South Africa is imperative, as it would enhance public confidence in municipal valuation.
PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the extent of Internet business strategy adoption among publicly listed property companies in Malaysia. It investigates how digital strategies are integrated into company operations, marketing, and customer engagement, and whether firms with higher market capitalizations are also the leaders in digital transformation efforts.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative assessment was conducted by analyzing the latest annual reports of 87 Malaysian listed property developers. Companies were scored based on a comprehensive Internet Business Strategy Matrix, covering 12 attributes including AI-powered tools, AR/VR tours, blockchain services, AI Chatbots, and data-driven insights. Companies were categorized into relatively high adoption, moderate, and relatively low adoption levels based on normalized attribute scores. A Spearman's rank correlation analysis was also performed to examine the relationship between Internet strategy adoption and market capitalization.FindingsA Spearman's rank correlation analysis was conducted between normalised IBS scores and market capitalisation. The coefficient (rho approximate to 0.579) indicates a moderate positive monotonic association, suggesting that firms with larger market capitalisation tend to exhibit higher levels of IBS adoption. As Spearman's correlation measures association rather than causation, market capitalisation is interpreted as a structural characteristic that may enable greater digital investment capacity. An examination of individual IBS attributes highlights strong sector-wide adoption of foundational tools such as online product information (98.85%), data-driven reports (88.51%), and track record disclosures (82.76%). However, adoption rates decline sharply for more advanced capabilities. Mortgage calculators are implemented by only 25.29% of firms, AR/VR tours by 13.79%, and AI-powered tools by fewer than 10%. Blockchain-based services and crypto payment options are virtually absent. Compared to earlier studies by Razali et al. (2010) and Razali (2008), the findings suggest a gradual shift toward deeper digital integration, although a cautious approach persists across the sector.Originality/valueThis study provides an updated and structured analysis of Internet business strategy adoption within Malaysia's property sector, building on earlier research yet incorporating emerging technologies and post-COVID digitalization trends. By linking digital maturity with market performance, the research offers new insights for property developers, investors, and policymakers aiming to understand and accelerate digital transformation in an increasingly competitive real estate market.
PurposeThis article examines the role of servitized business model innovation (SBMI) in facilitating the transition to circular economy (CE) performance within the real estate sector, with a specific emphasis on the South African built environment. It analyses how moving from asset ownership to service provision can advance sustainability, resource efficiency and decarbonisation objectives.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a qualitative research approach through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from public and private property development organisations. Participants were purposefully selected to represent different management levels: strategic, tactical and operational, to provide an overall view of SBMI throughout the real estate value chain.FindingsThe research identifies that SBMI supports circular real estate practices, including building lifecycle extension, shared-use models and regenerative resource strategies. In the South African context, servitized approaches such as energy-as-a-service, space-as-a-service and circular retrofitting are described as potential methods to separate value from material consumption. Transition management is discussed as a governance framework to address systemic barriers, coordinate stakeholders and facilitate CE implementation.Practical implicationsThe study proposes a framework to assist property developers, urban planners and policymakers in developing circular-ready business models and addressing sector changes related to sustainable, net-zero real estate in South Africa.Originality/valueThis article introduces a novel integration of SBMI and transition management as a dual lens for transforming traditional, linear property systems. It addresses a critical research gap in CE transitions in the Global South.
PurposeThis study provides a replicable framework for Indian policymakers, urban planners and scholars to measure, compare and act upon cultural dimensions in ways that make sustainability not only technically achievable but also socially meaningful and culturally grounded in smart cities. Using AHP, the various dimensions of cultural sustainability were identified from the literature and, through expert opinion, prioritised to provide a framework for integrating culture into the conception of a smart city.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered through interviews with an expert panel comprising professionals from diverse backgrounds, each contributing meaningfully to the significance of cultural sustainability in the context of smart cities. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to analyse data on cultural sustainability and smart cities to assess five dimensions: cultural heritage, cultural rights, cultural vitality, cultural resilience and cultural diversity. These dimensions of cultural sustainability in a smart city were identified using literature and expert inputs. The criteria and sub-criteria were ascertained, and a hierarchical structure was defined for which the AHP technique provides results.FindingsThe results revealed that, among the five criteria of cultural sustainability, cultural heritage encompassing a community's wisdom, identity and values takes the highest priority, with a weight of 0.384, followed by cultural resilience (0.292), cultural vitality (0.154) at third place, followed by cultural diversity (0.095) and cultural rights (0.075) at fourth and fifth places, respectively. The overall AHP ranking of the cultural sustainability parameters, with cultural diversity and cultural rights at the bottom, suggests that in emerging economies, culture is perceived through its tangible attributes, affordability, and economic benefits.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is unique in integrating cultural sustainability into sustainable development within a smart city framework. By expanding on the concept of culture for a smart city, it transforms culture from an abstract concept into one with measurable dimensions. It enriches the existing definition of a smart city by bringing cultural sustainability and its multiple dimensions into its ambit.Practical implicationsThe findings of our research contribute to the broader framework for incorporating culture into smart cities and provide a mechanism for incorporating its various dimensions. It is a comprehensive framework which captures the multidimensional nature of culture and its effect on sustainable development in the context of a smart city. The inclusion of culture enriches our current understanding of sustainability and provides a pathway for incorporating it into tangible outcomes.Social implicationsThe research highlights the contours of culture that can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, primarily SDG 11, which focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities that enable thriving cultural spaces. From a monolithic perspective on what constitutes smart, which routinely comprises technical, information technology and infrastructural facets, the smart city becomes more rooted and people-centric when cultural sustainability is incorporated.Originality/valueThis study is a novel attempt to provide a roadmap for incorporating culture into conversations about smart cities by offering measurable indicators across various dimensions, a research gap that has remained until now. Drawing on culture as the fourth pillar of sustainability, this study aims to identify the dimensions of cultural sustainability in a smart city.
PurposeThis research seeks to investigate the impact of financial literacy and assess the applicability of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) in the decision-making process of individual real estate investors.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptualized research model was empirically tested using primary data from 310 real estate investors. The study is quantitative and utilizes Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to examine the hypothesis.FindingsThe findings reveal that financial literacy significantly influences the constructs of TPB, with all of them influencing investment intention except interpersonal influence. Although financial literacy doesn't directly influence investment intention, the mediation analysis shows that attitude, perceived behavioural control and external influence mediate this relationship.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is administered in India, utilizing cross-sectional data. Future studies can use longitudinal data and a different geographical area to widen the scope of the study.Practical implicationsThe study's findings can guide policymakers at both regulatory and advisory ends in utilizing the tool of financial literacy through mandatory courses in education or knowledge transfer seminars to boost investor confidence, participation and engagement while relying less on word-of-mouth publicity.Originality/valueThis study is distinctive in examining the impact of financial literacy on decision-making about real estate investments, an area that is still in its early stages of inquiry. This research expands on the significance of TPB components in understanding intentions by examining their role as mediators in the connection between financial literacy and investment intention.
PurposeAs the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the necessity to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of existing building stock has become increasingly urgent. This has made green retrofitting an important strategy for existing buildings. Despite its potential environmental and socioeconomic benefits, the adoption of green retrofitting practices remains limited, particularly in developing countries. This study investigates the key challenges hindering the widespread implementation of green retrofitting in South Africa's existing building stock. Africa's existing building stock.Design/methodology/approachThe quantitative research approach was adopted in the study. Through a scoping literature review complemented by a survey, primary data were collected by administering questionnaires to randomly selected professionals in the South African construction industry. Thereafter, descriptive and inferential statistics were computed from the analysis of the data.FindingsThe research identifies critical challenges, including a lack of awareness regarding the benefits of green retrofit project implementation by clients, a lack of incentives to promote the adoption of green retrofitting of existing buildings, extra costs for transportation of imported materials and a lack of training regarding green retrofitting initiatives among built environment professionals (BEPs). Furthermore, the non-parametric test revealed that there is no significant difference regarding the challenges of green retrofitting of existing buildings across the different built environment professions.Originality/valueThe findings highlight the need for targeted capacity building initiatives, increased public and private sector collaboration, and an integrated policy framework to facilitate the transition to sustainable building. The study provides invaluable insights for industry stakeholders aiming to promote green retrofitting.
PurposeThis exploratory study examines two key forms of undue influence in the residential real estate market: bribery attempts and threats to real estate agents from buyers or sellers. It also identifies characteristics of real estate agents exposed to such pressures. While most earlier research focuses on agent malpractice, little attention has been paid to unethical pressure from clients.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods approach combined survey data with exploratory interviews. In January 2019, a survey was sent to all 7,260 registered real estate agents in Sweden, yielding a 20% response rate. Logistic regression analyses assessed the impact of 15 independent variables on the likelihood of agents experiencing bribery attempts or threats. A small number of interviews provided additional insights into agents' experiences of undue influence.FindingsSix attributes were significantly associated with the likelihood of being offered a bribe to close a deal before an auction: having colleagues who mislead sellers, working in a major city, being male, working excessive hours, having more experience and being younger. Several attributes were significantly associated with the likelihood of being threatened by a home buyer: having colleagues who mislead buyers or sellers, working in a major city, perceiving agent regulations as unclear, experiencing high workload and job-related worry and having more experience.Originality/valueThis study addresses an under explored aspect of real estate practice by shifting the focus from agent malpractice to client-driven unethical pressures. The findings highlight bribery and threats as systemic issues with regulatory, business and health implications and calls for more studies to better understand the width of this problem.
PurposeThis study investigates modular retrofitting as a transformative strategy for achieving carbon neutrality in the built environment. Given the construction sector's significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, there is an urgent need for scalable, cost-effective and minimally disruptive retrofitting approaches. Modular retrofitting presents an opportunity to accelerate the decarbonization of existing building stock while enhancing energy efficiency and operational performance.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research design was employed using a structured questionnaire administered to construction professionals, facility managers and sustainability consultants. The survey captured data on barriers and the perceived benefits of modular retrofitting. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and regression modelling, were applied to identify significant barriers and benefits of adopting modular retrofitting.FindingsResults reveal that modular retrofitting significantly improves energy efficiency, reduces embodied carbon and shortens project timelines compared to conventional methods. Key barriers identified include high initial investment, limited technical expertise and regulatory uncertainty, while strong drivers include sustainability mandates, long-term cost savings and client demand for low-carbon solutions.Practical implicationsThe study provides actionable insights for policymakers, construction firms and building owners to integrate modular retrofitting into carbon-neutral transition plans, highlighting the need for supportive regulations, skills development and financial incentives.Originality/valueThis paper examines the adoption of modular retrofitting within the context of carbon neutrality, empirically prioritizing its carbon-related benefits and adoption barriers.
PurposeIn urban centres, rental housing is shaped not only by financial factors such as rent levels and affordability but also by a range of non-financial determinants. This study examines the most influential non-financial factors and empirically classifies those shaping residential landlords' tenancy decisions in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a mixed-method sequential explanatory design and conducted a structured survey of 372 residential landlords across first, second and third-class residential areas in Greater Kumasi. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, such as the Relative Importance Index (RII) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), while qualitative data from open-ended questions were used to add more depth to the findings.FindingsThe results indicated that the five most important non-financial factors that determine tenancy were criminal record (RII = 0.818), marital status (0.811), level of education (0.808), politeness and attitude (0.802) and rule compliance (0.801). The EFA grouped these determinants into three factors: socioeconomic and cultural suitability (32.275%), personal traits and behaviour (29.772%) and domestic compatibility and property care (23.698%), which account for 85.745% of the variance.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has implications for urban planners to consider non-financial screening functions as informal regulation, requiring transparent tenancy guidelines and non-discrimination safeguards to strengthen equitable rental governance.Originality/valueThis study reconceptualises non-financial determinants as structured informal governance logics, demonstrating how landlord discretion shapes housing access within Ghana's urban rental markets.
PurposeThe influence of land tenure security concerns on smallholder farmers' investment in climate adaptation strategies remains unclear in the literature. This study adds to the existing debate by using multistage sampling to select 2,934 households to investigate the relationships between land tenure systems and smallholder farmers' investments in seven adaptation strategies in a changing climate.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted in rural northern Ghana. The multistage sampling procedure was used to select the 2,934 farm households in northern Ghana. Multivariate probit and Poisson models were employed for data analysis.FindingsThe results reveal that smallholder farmers' perceived land tenure security is positively and significantly correlated with five climate adaptation strategies. Land use/ownership duration, land use right, transfer right and land exclusion right have a heterogeneous significant relationship with individual adaptation strategies. Notwithstanding, the land tenure systems' security has a significant positive relationship with climate adaptation intensity, except for land use duration and transfer rights. Policymakers should design context-specific land tenure reform policies that reflect local socio-economic realities to enhance farmers' land rights for effective investment in sustainable agriculture.Originality/valueThe novelty of the study is linking different land tenure systems to investment in climate adaptation strategies. Many studies employed a single land tenure indicator, such as land title or land ownership implication, to investment in agriculture. This one-size-fits-all might lead to wrong policy implications since different land tenure regimes have different implications for investment in agriculture, particularly investment in climate adaptation strategies. The study fills the gap.
PurposeThis study examines the influence of healthcare facilities management (FM) variables on perceived service quality. It evaluates how the quality of healing environments, infrastructure and core healthcare services impacts patients' perceptions of service quality and overall satisfaction in private hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) as the primary analytical method. Data were collected via a structured survey given to 249 respondents across 13 private hospitals.FindingsThe PLS-SEM analysis reveals 13 statistically significant relationships across various dimensions of service quality, including assurance, reliability and responsiveness. Interaction effects indicate that the quality of the healthcare healing environment and healthcare infrastructure significantly influence patients' perceptions of service quality. These findings emphasise the essential role of strategic facilities management in enhancing patient satisfaction and competitive positioning within the healthcare sector. This study contributes to the understanding of healthcare service delivery by highlighting the link between FM and perceived service quality, with implications for hospital administrators, policymakers and stakeholders.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses on private hospitals in Kuala Lumpur. Future research should include other regions and public hospitals as comparison groups to explore possible similarities or differences between the two organisations. Additionally, a longitudinal approach could provide deeper insights into long-term effects.Practical implicationsFrom industrial perspective, the findings suggest that investments in healing environments, infrastructure quality and maintenance strategies should be treated as strategic property management decisions rather than routine operational expenditures. Recent property management research emphasises lifecycle optimisation, asset performance measurement and sustainability value as a long-term competitiveness for organisation (Wilkinson et al., 2019). In private healthcare markets, aligning FM performance with property management objectives can enhance asset reliability, reduce lifecycle costs, strengthen competitive positioning and revenue sustainability. The results also indicate that over-prioritising clinical functions without adequate FM resource planning may weaken service quality dimensions that directly affect patient satisfaction and long-term asset performance.Social implicationsFinally, the study also has important societal implications. Recent research underscores that resilient and well-managed healthcare organisation contributes to public confidence, service continuity and improved quality of life (Khatri et al., 2023). By demonstrating the measurable linkage between FM performance, service quality and patient satisfaction, this study supports the development of more sustainable, user-centred properties that enhance societal well-being and long-term infrastructure resilience.Originality/valueThis study merges property management and FM service quality in private hospitals, providing novel empirical evidence. It presents healthcare facilities as strategic property assets and demonstrates how FM performance impacts patient satisfaction and service quality, offering valuable insights for asset-based decision-making in private healthcare properties.
PurposeThe incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) into the built environment industry has the potential to transform the way infrastructure is designed, constructed, and managed. With the world inching towards Industry 5.0, this research examines the potential drivers of AI and provides a context-specific approach to "sustainable assimilation" using the innovation diffusion theory (IDT).Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a quantitative approach, collecting data from 182 built-environment professionals, and analyses the data using regression analysis.FindingsAnalysis of data revealed that 81% of built environment professionals had never utilised AI tools in their professional practice, suggesting that the built environment in Ghana is struggling to assimilate and apply AI technologies. Regression models revealed that, at p = 0.001, perceived impact and usefulness (ss = 0.399), institutional support (ss = 0.367), reliability (ss = 0.278), ease of use (ss = 0.283) and funding requirement (ss = 4.10) were identified as the key drivers for AI adoption in the built and real estate industries.Practical implicationsModelling the adoption of AI in the Ghanaian construction industry using IDT would require piloting and proving the relative advantage of AI to professionals. This could be achieved by providing institutional support, technical capacity, simplifying the perceived complexity through the integration of industry-specific solutions, ensuring job impact compatibility, and de-risking the use of AI through policy innovations.Originality/valueThe study suggests that by effectively modelling the factors influencing AI and promoting effective communication and understanding, built environment professionals can significantly accelerate their adoption of AI, transitioning from early innovators to widespread use across the sector.
PurposeGrid instability and its associated effects on HVAC performance and tenant satisfaction in shopping malls are challenging in sub-Saharan Africa. This study assesses the impact of varying levels of energy autonomy on HVAC system performance and tenant satisfaction in shopping malls in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a quantitative method. Using Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average to model thermal responses and Analysis of Variance to assess tenant satisfaction across high, medium and low-level energy-autonomous shopping malls in Ghana. Using purposive and convenience sampling, 316 tenants were surveyed across the three levels of shopping malls in Ghana.FindingsHigh-autonomy shopping malls experienced minimal indoor temperature increases (1.5 degrees C), rapid recovery time of 20 min during power outages, and higher tenant satisfaction (mean = 4.35). Satisfaction levels include: perceived thermal comfort, operational stability, and energy reliability. On the other hand, moderate-energy-autonomy malls exhibited delayed HVAC responses, tenant dissatisfaction and slight improvements in response time compared to low-autonomy malls. The findings established that while energy autonomy contributes to comfort and satisfaction, differences are not always statistically significant, showing mixed effects across various energy autonomy levels.Practical implicationsThe Ghana Standards Authority should develop and enforce compulsory baseline energy-autonomy standards for retail and commercial buildings, with specific emphasis on recovery time during outages, backup recovery capacity and minimum HVAC uptime. These should be integrated into building certification requirements and ensure compliance in new shopping malls.Originality/valueThe integration of perceived thermal resilience into the technical system, HVAC performance and occupant experience creates a new metric.
