Community Preferences for Transitional Housing as a Step toward Permanent Housing: A Descriptive Quantitative Survey Study

Abstract

Access to permanent homeownership in Indonesia generally requires a relatively long period due to limitations in financial capacity, land availability, and access to strategic locations, particularly in urban areas. These conditions encourage individuals and young couples to choose transitional housing as a temporary solution before being able to acquire permanent housing. Although this phenomenon has become increasingly common, empirical studies examining community preferences for transitional housing, especially within the socio-economic context of urban populations, remain limited. This study aims to analyze community preferences for transitional housing as a step toward permanent homeownership by examining aspects of housing type, cost, facilities, and location. The research employs a descriptive quantitative approach to identify patterns and trends in housing preferences based on respondent characteristics. Data were collected through an online survey involving 114 respondents, both married and unmarried, who do not yet own permanent housing and are currently living with parents, in rented rooms, or in rental housing. The research instrument consisted of a questionnaire with closed- and open-ended questions covering respondent profiles, current housing conditions, and preferences for transitional housing. The findings indicate that most respondents are within the productive age group and tend to prefer transitional housing with affordable rental costs, adequate facilities, and a safe and comfortable living environment. While economic factors play a dominant role in housing choice, comfort and environmental quality also significantly influence decision-making processes. The results of this study are expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of housing behavior among young urban communities and to serve as a reference for developers and policymakers in designing and developing adaptive, affordable, and sustainable transitional housing models as an integral component of urban housing systems.