Housing Inequality

David Albouy and Mike Zabek

No 21916, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: Inequality in U.S. housing prices and rents both declined in the mid-20th century, even as home-ownership rates rose. Subsequently, housing-price inequality has risen to pre-War levels, while rent inequality has risen less. Combining both measures, we see inequality in housing consumption equivalents mirroring patterns in income across both space and time, according to an income elasticity of housing demand just below one. These patterns occur mainly within cities, and are not explained by observed changes in dwelling characteristics or locations. Instead, recent increases in housing inequality are driven most by changes in the relative value of locations, seen especially through land.

JEL-codes: D63 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016-01
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ure
Note: LS PE
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (13)

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