ABSTRACT
People spend at least 65% of their time at home or in the near vicinity of their homes (Briggs et al 2003). This simple fact justifies the study of health and well-being at the micro level of housing and neighbourhood. A recent pan-European Union (EU) survey (EF 20041) on perceived living conditions showed that good health, sufficient income, having a family and housing quality are perceived as the main factors contributing to a good life for the majority of Europeans. Adequate accommodation is most frequently mentioned in the new member and candidate states of the EU. Finally, satisfaction with the residential environment can contribute to the commitment of people to their environment (Moser and Uzzel 2004).
