This study addresses the problem of housing provision among the middle-income population in Nigeria. Owerri a state capital in South-eastern Nigeria was chosen as the study area. The specific aim of the study was to determine the functional housing requirements that are of primary importance to middle-income mass housing residents in Nigeria. The information so gathered would provide sound empirical basis for the design of more efficient housing schemes in future. A survey of 344 households in five (5) middle-income estates was conducted. Respondents were required to assess housing characteristics based on availability, and how they rated on a ten-point scale of excellence. The housing characteristics were developed from extensive review of related literature. Results of the study showed that design and quality of the housing unit, design and quality of estate infrastructure and maintenance of estate infrastructure and services were important requirements for good housing design among the middle-income group. Application of these results will ensure that the housing design process is holistic, incorporating all aspects of the housing system. This is expected to eventually result in better planned neighbourhoods, with the attendant social and economic benefits to the country as a whole.