Introduction from the editor

Citation

Reed, R.G. (2011), "Introduction from the editor", International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, Vol. 4 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijhma.2011.35104aaa.002

Introduction from the editor

Article Type: Editorial From: International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, Volume 4, Issue 1

As this is the first issue of the fourth volume of the International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, there is an opportunity to reflect on the first three volumes. Since commencing in 2008, this journal has steadily received an increasing profile in housing market research which has been confirmed by the quantity of downloads from Emerald as well as a higher volume of submissions and an associated higher rejection rate. The quality of the journal has been confirmed by these metrics and a level of respect by researchers in the wider research community. Previous special issues have been well received including special issues for the African Real Estate Society (AfRES) conferences. For example, the fourth issue of this volume includes a special issue on housing affordability with the guest editor being Paloma Taltavull.

The papers in this issue present cutting edge research into housing markets across multiple continents. There are two papers examining housing markets in the USA where the first paper investigates the relationship between historic preservation easements and the value of single-family homes, in turn using a city in Georgia for a case study. The second paper from the USA examines housing at the other end of the scale, being an analysis of the demand by older residents for retirement housing in the future. Also with regard to housing affordability, the next paper investigates the housing market in Malta and conducts a historical examination dating back to 1940.

The next paper examines housing markets in Iran where the focus is placed on long-run price elasticities of housing in 20 locational zones in Tehran. The findings provide an invaluable insight into a market in Iran which is arguably under-researched. A case study of housing in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, was conducted in another paper where the emphasis was on a gated community and neighbourhood preferences, with consideration given to variables such as security as well as the willingness to pay for this type of housing. The next paper examines housing design in Yemen with the objective of identifying a solution to the housing shortage in this country. The findings provide a rare insight into housing in this country including the influence of Yemeni culture.

The range and depth of research in this volume highlights the increasing attention placed on international housing markets. Whilst individual countries and continents may be facing individual housing market challenges, it is evident that there are many common themes such as housing affordability. I would like to thank authors and reviewers for ensuring this journal publishes research which contributes to knowledge about international housing markets. I encourage your feedback (richard.reed@deakin.edu.au) and thank you for your continued support of this journal.

Richard G. Reed