Determinants of intention to inhabit eco-friendly homes in Malaysia

Tan, T. H. (2013) Determinants of intention to inhabit eco-friendly homes in Malaysia. Journal of Green Building, 8 (4). pp. 146-163. ISSN 1943-4618 doi: 10.3992/jgb.8.4.146

Abstract/Summary

Malaysian housing developers are weighing the costs and benefits of building environmentally sensitive homes as many of them are concerned that the market may not be receptive to such homes; therefore, this study aims to examine the determinants of inhabiting intentions of potential homebuyers toward green homes. Using a case study of Nusajaya Iskandar Malaysia, a series of quantitative analysis was used to examine homebuyers’ intentions to inhabit eco-friendly homes. The results for the survey revealed that a favorable attitude toward eco-friendly homes, high control in the ability to purchase eco-friendly homes, and the self-identification of green consumerism were statistically significant determinants of intention to inhabit such homes. Social referents’ opinion relating to eco-friendly homes, however, was not significantly related to inhabiting intentions. Additionally, households of gated-guarded and detached dwellings, higher income and educational attainment, and housing costs were significantly related to the intention of acquiring eco-friendly homes.