The rapid urbanisation coupled with the scarcity of land has led to significant challenges in meeting the housing needs of urban residents. The study evaluates the social needs of urban housing in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, Nigeria, and the implementation of adaptability to enhance occupant satisfaction. A descriptive survey method was adopted for the study using cross-sectional design and physical observation. A multi-stage sampling method was used to select households to sample. Copies of the questionnaire were administered to occupants of the sampled buildings to acquire information on their socio-economic status, the adaptability measures adopted in buildings, the effectiveness of the measures, and reasons for their adoption. Data was analysed using statistical and thematic analysis to achieve the study’s objectives. The study reveals that adaptability in housing design depends on factors like building design and condition, socio-economic characteristics of users, environmental quality, cultural values, and government policies ensuring housing meets changing user needs. The study would help to generate new design concepts that would provide novel solutions for satisfying evolving user needs, improving livability, and possibly increasing market attractiveness. Understanding this may necessitate the construction industry implementing new skills and procedures that will stimulate innovation in construction methods by decreasing waste and the demand for new resources. This may also help the government make decisions about revising building laws and regulations to facilitate adaptable dwelling design.