Housing market will be an election issue in Canada

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Housing Market ◽  
Affordable Housing ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Home Ownership ◽  
House Prices ◽  
Housing Demand ◽  
Credit Crunch ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Income Households

Significance A collapse in the housing market, which would hit indebted Canadians hard and contribute to a credit crunch that impacts the wider economy, remains unlikely but record house prices and the lack of affordable homes will be issues in the upcoming election. Impacts Consistently high house prices may see young and low-income households give up the idea of home ownership altogether. The prolonged failure of government to ensure more affordable housing will mean widening disparities between owners and renters. Housing demand in smaller markets around major cities, boosted by the pandemic, will cool with a return to office working.

Staged implementation of inclusionary zoning as a mechanism to improve housing affordability in Auckland, New Zealand

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 617-633
Author(s):  
Mario A. Fernandez ◽  
Shane L. Martin
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Housing Market ◽  
Affordable Housing ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Housing Affordability ◽  
Mixed Integer ◽  
Target Price ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Inclusionary Zoning

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse how the staged implementation of inclusionary zoning (IZ) performs relative to conventional IZ programmes in terms of increasing the number of low- and moderate-income households become homeowners. Design/methodology/approach The paper applies a matching model implemented through a mixed-integer programme model taking Auckland (New Zealand) housing market as a case study. The IZ is simulated by two features: a target price (below which affordable houses are defined) and the income threshold (below which any household gains access to the programme). The staging of IZ consists of first directing affordable houses to low-income households, where those houses that are not sold are cascaded to subsequent population groups with higher incomes. Findings The staged implementation of IZ does not necessarily imply that the number of sales will increase both for affordable and market-rate houses. However, a hybrid approach defined by two target prices results in a greater number of sales relative to a conventional IZ and a baseline affordable market while achieving market efficiency and equity. Research limitations/implications The paper is limited to the marginal impact of new affordable houses entering the market. It does not address further market rounds for houses left empty for tractability purposes. Also, the analysis is circumscribed to current renters and not owners, if owners were included they would outbid renters and distort the intended impact of IZ as an affordable housing policy. Originality/value The paper has relevance for policymakers because it provides evidence about the dimensions of IZ to have a lasting effect on housing affordability. The model is applied to a single housing market but is suitable to be generalized and adapted to a different urban environment.

scholarly journals Housing prices in peninsular Malaysia: supported by income, foreign inflow or speculation?

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 424-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wang Li Wong ◽  
Chin Lee ◽  
Seow Shin Koong
Keyword(s):  
Housing Market ◽  
Low Income ◽  
House Prices ◽  
Correction Term ◽  
Housing Prices ◽  
House Price ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Financial Asset ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper is motivated by a concern about the ability of the average Malaysian income to catch up with the rapidly increasing house prices in Peninsular Malaysia. Financial innovation in financial system now regards houses as a financial asset and speculation vehicle. Therefore, a house purchase is made to acquire not merely a necessity but also a financial asset which can generate future returns. Given the problems in the housing market, this paper aims to examine the determinants of house prices in Malaysia, including those such as income, population, foreign inflow and speculation. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts panel data analyses, namely, the fixed effect model (FEM) and the pooled mean group (PMG), and uses data at state level in quarterly frequency, spanning from 2005Q1 to 2013Q4. Findings Based on the results of FEM, these determinants influence house prices significantly. Moreover, the PMG results suggest that there is convergence in the model, which are indicated by the significant and negative sign of the error correction term. In conclusion, the rapidly increasing house price is not caused by speculation activities in the housing market. More precisely, Malaysian income is capable of catching up with the increasing house prices. Practical implications As income remains to be one of the major drivers in influencing Malaysian house price, Malaysian Government shall continue the policies of supply low cost houses to the low-income groups and My First Home Scheme (SRP) by offering less stringent rules in applying house loan for the first-time house buyers. Originality/value This study used the actual data of foreign housing purchase obtained from Malaysia Valuation and Property Services Department to represent foreign inflow; therefore, the results will reflect the impact of foreign inflow in a better manner.

Everything Old is New Again: Affordable Housing and WAGES

2000 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-46
Author(s):  
Michele Ogilvie
Keyword(s):  
Welfare Reform ◽  
Housing Market ◽  
Affordable Housing ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Housing Assistance ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
The City ◽  
Local Levels ◽  
Low Income Households

Enactment of welfare reform, changes in housing assistance programs, and the devolution of control from the federal to local levels is about to have a significant impact on the housing market. The significance of these changes will be experienced differently, depending on social and economic status. For those in the middle and upper income brackets, changes will probably not be noticeable. For many low-income households and the communities in which they reside, change will be dramatic. This article's observations and comments will be limited to the city of Tampa rather than being expressed in universal terms.

scholarly journals Examining the Effect of Squatter Settlements in the Evolution of Spatial Fragmentation in the Housing Market of the City of Buenos Aires by Using Geographical Weighted Regression

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 359
Author(s):  
A. Federico Ogas-Mendez ◽  
Yuzuru Isoda
Keyword(s):  
Housing Market ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Buenos Aires ◽  
House Prices ◽  
House Price ◽  
Spatiotemporal Analysis ◽  
Weighted Regression ◽  
Squatter Settlements ◽  
Squatter Settlement ◽  
Low Income Households

The spatial fragmentation in the housing market and the growth of squatter settlements are characteristic for the metropolitan areas in developing countries. Over the years, in large cities, these phenomena have been promoting an increase in the spatial concentration of poverty. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between the squatter settlement growth and spatial fragmentation in the housing market of Buenos Aires. By performing a spatiotemporal analysis using geographically weighted regression in the house prices for the years 2001, 2010, and 2018, the results showed that while squatter settlements had a strong negative effect on house prices, the affected areas shifted over time. Our findings indicate that it is not the growth of the squatter settlement that causes spatial fragmentation, but rather the widening income disparities and further segregation of low-income households. However, squatter settlements determined the spatial demarcation of fragmented housing market by attracting low-income households to surrounding low house price areas.

Understanding Affordability

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Meen ◽  
Christine Whitehead
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Home Ownership ◽  
House Prices ◽  
Household Formation ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Political Forces ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Developed World ◽  
The Impact

Affordability is, perhaps, the greatest housing problem facing households today, both in the UK and internationally. Even though most households are now well housed, hardship is disproportionately concentrated among low-income and younger households. Our failure to deal with their problems is what makes housing so frustrating. But, to improve outcomes, we have to understand the complex economic and political forces which underlie their continued prevalence. There are no costless solutions, but there are new policy directions that can be explored in addition to those that have dominated in recent years. The first, analytic, part of the book considers the factors that determine house prices and rents, household formation and tenure, housing construction and the roles played by housing finance and taxation. The second part turns to examine the impact of past policy and the possibilities for improvement - discussing supply and the impact of planning regulation, supply subsidies, subsidies to low-income tenants and attempts to increase home ownership. Rather than advocating a particular set of policies, the aim is to consider the balance of policies; the constraints under which housing policy operates; what can realistically be achieved; the structural changes that would need to occur; and the significant sacrifices that would have to be made by some groups if there are to be improvements for others. Our emphasis is on the UK but throughout the book we also draw on international experience and our conclusions have relevance to analysts and policy makers across the developed world.

Sustainable housing financing model to reduce South Africa housing deficit

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 410-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bashir Olanrewaju Ganiyu ◽  
Julius Ayodeji Fapohunda ◽  
Rainer Haldenwang
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Affordable Housing ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
South African Government ◽  
The South ◽  
African Government ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mortgage Payment

Purpose This study aims to identify and establish effective housing financing concepts to be adopted by government in achieving its mandate of providing sustainable affordable housing for the poor to decrease the building of shacks, as well as proposing solutions to the housing deficit in South Africa. A rise in demand and shortage in supply of housing calls for the need to address issues of affordable housing in South Africa, and developing countries in general, to ensure a stable and promising future for poor families. Design/methodology/approach Literature has revealed that the South African government, at all levels, accorded high priority to the provision of low-cost housing. Thus, government has adopted subsidy payment as a method of financing affordable housing to ensure that houses are allocated free to the beneficiaries. This also addresses the historically race-based inequalities of the past, but unfortunately, this has not been fully realised. This study uses a sequential mixed method approach, where private housing developers and general building contractors were the research participants. The qualitative data were analysed using a case-by-case analysis, and quantitative data were analysed using a descriptive statistical technique on SPSS. Findings The results of the qualitative analysis reveal a gross abuse of the housing subsidies system by the beneficiaries of government-funded housing in South Africa. This is evident from illegal sale of the houses below market value. This has led to a continual building of shacks and an increased number of people on the housing waiting list instead of a decrease in the housing deficit. The results from quantitative analysis affirm the use of “Mortgage Payment Subsidies, Mortgage Payment Deductions, Down-Payment Grant and Mortgage Interest Deductions” as viable alternatives to subsidy payment currently in use to finance affordable housing projects by the South African Government. Practical implications At the moment, the focus of the South African National Government is continual provision of free housing to the historically disadvantage citizens, but the housing financing method being used encourages unapproved transfer of ownership in the affordable housing sector. This study thus recommends the use of an all-inclusive housing financing method that requires a monetary contribution from the beneficiaries to enable them take control of the process. Originality/value The relational interface model proposed in this study will reduce pressure on government budgetary provision for housing and guarantee quick return of private developers’ investment in housing. Government must, as a matter of urgency, launch a continuous awareness programme to educate the low-income population on the value and the long-term benefits of the housing.

Assessing housing preferences of young civil servants in Malaysia: do location, financial capability and neighbourhood really matter?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nor Ezatie Mukminah Muhammad Zamri ◽  
Mahazril ‘Aini Yaacob ◽  
Norazah Mohd Suki
Keyword(s):  
Affordable Housing ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Housing Demand ◽  
Civil Servants ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Financial Capability ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Demand And Supply ◽  
Housing Preferences ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the key factors that influence the housing preferences of young civil servants in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 400 respondents who fulfilled the eligibility criteria of civil servant working in Malaysia aged between 20 and 40 years, and currently renting a house, or staying with friends, immediate family or relatives. Data were analysed via exploratory factor analysis and Pearson correlation. Findings The results reveal that financial capability is the factor that most strongly influences the housing preferences of young civil servants, followed by neighbourhood and location. Young civil servants are highly inclined to consider the monthly repayment amount as the most important issue when deciding to buy a house. Furthermore, they prefer to buy a house in a neighbourhood that ensures high security and protection against crime. Practical implications Housing developers should develop affordable housing in suitable neighbourhoods and locations to match homebuyers’ preferences to avoid a mismatch between housing demand and supply, which is obviously one of the greater risks of unsold homes. Originality/value Given the lack of focus on this precise research sample (i.e. young civil servants), the study is justified in terms of its originality, as it examines a specific cohort by focussing on the correlations of location, financial capability and neighbourhood with housing preferences of young civil servants in Malaysia. These insights are invaluable, as this group has not been the specific focus of research.

Rent or buy, what are the odds? Analysing the price-to-rent ratio for housing types within the Northern Ireland housing market

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Lo ◽  
Michael James McCord ◽  
John McCord ◽  
Peadar Thomas Davis ◽  
Martin Haran
Keyword(s):  
Housing Market ◽  
House Prices ◽  
House Price ◽  
Main Property ◽  
Property Market ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rental Market ◽  
Price Series ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The price-to-rent ratio is often regarded as an important indicator for measuring housing market imbalance and inefficiency. A central question is the extent to which house prices and rents form part of the same market and thus whether they respond similarly to parallel stimulus. If they are close proxies dynamically, then this provides valuable market intelligence, particularly where causal relationships are evident. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the relationship between market and rental pricing to uncover the price switching dynamics of residential real estate property types and whether the deviation between market rents and prices are integrated over both the long- and short-term. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses cointegration, Wald exogeneity tests and Granger causality models to determine the existence, if any, of cointegration and lead-lag relationships between prices and rents within the Belfast property market, as well as the price-to-rent ratios amongst its five main property sub-markets over the time period M4, 2014 to M12 2018. Findings The findings provide some novel insights in relation to the pricing dynamics within Belfast. Housing and rental prices are cointegrated suggesting that they tend to move in tandem in the long run. It is further evident that in the short-run, the price series Granger-causes that of rents inferring that sales price information unidirectionally diffuse to the rental market. Further, the findings on price-to-rent ratios reveal that the detached sector appears to Granger-cause those of other property types except apartments in both the short- and long-term, suggesting possible spill-over of pricing signals from the top-end to the lower strata of the market. Originality/value The importance of understanding the relationship between house prices and rental market performance has gathered momentum. Although the house price-rent ratio is widely used as an indicator of over and undervaluation in the housing market, surprisingly little is known about the theoretical relationship between the price-rent ratio across property types and their respective inter-relationships.

Are regional house prices stationary in Iran? New evidence using Fourier quantile unit root test

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 849-864
Author(s):  
Arash Hadizadeh
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rates ◽  
Housing Market ◽  
Unit Root ◽  
House Prices ◽  
Housing Prices ◽  
Unit Root Test ◽  
Generalized Least Squares ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects

Purpose In the Iranian economy, investing in the housing market has been very important and beneficial for investors and households, because of inflationary environment, low real interest rates, underdeveloped financial and tax systems and economic sanctions. Hence, prediction of house prices is the main concern of housing market agents in the economy. The purpose of this paper is to test the stationary properties of Iran's provinces to improve the prediction of future housing prices. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the authors have tested the stationary properties of 20 Iran’s province centers over the period from 1993 to 2017 using a novel Fourier quantile unit root test and conventional ordinary/generalized least squares (O/GLS) linear unit root/stationary tests. Findings According to conventional O/GLS linear unit root/stationary tests, most of the house prices series exhibit random walk behavior, whereas by applying the Fourier quantile unit root test, the null hypothesis of unit root is rejected for 15 out of 20 series. Other results indicated that house prices of cities responded differently to positive and negative shocks. Originality/value Previous studies only addressed conventional OLS or GLS linear unit root or stationary tests, but novel Fourier quantile unit root test was not used. New results were obtained based on this unit root test, that, as a priori knowledge, will help benefiting from the positive effects, or avoiding being victimized by the negative effects.

An analysis on housing affordability in Malaysian housing markets and the home buyers’ preference

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 375-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Soon ◽  
Consilz Tan
Keyword(s):  
Housing Policy ◽  
Affordable Housing ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Housing Price ◽  
Housing Markets ◽  
Housing Demand ◽  
Housing Affordability ◽  
Monthly Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Residential Units

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the housing preference and housing affordability in Malaysian housing markets. There is a lack of research on the gap between supply and demand of houses in this market. Urbanization has increased the demand of houses in urban areas. However, the high demand in residential units increases the housing price which causes the affordability level dropped. Besides, the residences that provided by developers do not meet the expectation of the home buyers. There are three attributes that examined in this research to understand the home buyers’ preference. Design/methodology/approach This paper provides quantitative analysis on the housing affordability and the home buyers’ preference. This paper presents the results on the home buyers’ housing affordability and buying preference on houses. In addition, the study further confirmed the significant relationship between monthly income and type of preferred house, as well as monthly income and range of housing affordability using cross-tabulation analysis. Findings The findings indicated that the housing price in the current market is not affordable by most of the homebuyers and there are certain attributes that important to home buyers which should not be neglected. Research limitations/implications This paper helps to shed light on the planning of Malaysian housing policy especially on the issue of providing affordable housing in urban areas. Practical implications Policymakers shall consider the elements of economics, social acceptance and feasibility of Malaysian housing policies to achieve sustainability in Malaysian housing markets. With the current government’s move to promote housing affordability amongst B40 income groups, local government and housing developers should work together in addressing housing demand in accordance to states and ensure that there is a more targeted housing policy. Social implications With the detailed analysis on the home buyers’ preference, it helps to promote sustainable housing developments in meeting basic housing needs and preference. Originality/value This is the first study to examine relationship between Malaysian housing affordability with monthly income and type of preferred house. In the meantime, the housing affordability is compared with mean housing price and type of perceived affordable house. The paper presented homebuyer’s preference in housing for the consideration of government and housing developers in providing affordable housing.

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