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Article
Publication date: 10 March 2023

Samson Efuwape Agbato, Tajudeen Bioye Aluko, Timothy Tunde Oladokun and Ayodele Samuel Adegoke

Beyond the economic determinants, non-economic criteria of land affordability are also of great importance. From the context of emerging economies, this study investigated the…

Abstract

Purpose

Beyond the economic determinants, non-economic criteria of land affordability are also of great importance. From the context of emerging economies, this study investigated the affordability of low-cost land allocation through the lens of non-economic criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

Given that the non-economic criteria considered are those related to religion and politics, data were elicited from the owners of residential plots at Redemption City and Ikosi Residential Scheme respectively in Nigeria. The data collected were analysed using statistical methods of analysis: mean and standard deviation.

Findings

The result showed that safety and comfort, quality management, proximity to market, proximity to public transportation and proximity to health facilities were the significant non-economic criteria at Redemption City. On the other hand, the non-economic criteria found to be significant at Ikosi Residential Scheme were proximity to public transport, safety and comfort, low presence of environmental problems and income ratio.

Practical implications

This study informs the promotion of private and public partnerships towards reducing the housing deficit in emerging economies. Also, it would help in the formulation and review of land policies, which would benefit not only their members.

Originality/value

This study is among the few that have looked at the non-economic criteria of land affordability, especially in emerging economies.

Details

Property Management, vol. 41 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 June 2023

João Fragoso Januário, Carlos Oliveira Cruz, Humberto Varum and Vítor Faria e Sousa

From the perspective of housing affordability, Portugal is an interesting case study, considering that Portugal ranks 5th in terms of price-to-income ratio and has experienced…

Abstract

Purpose

From the perspective of housing affordability, Portugal is an interesting case study, considering that Portugal ranks 5th in terms of price-to-income ratio and has experienced, since 2015, a significant increase in real estate prices.

Design/methodology/approach

The provision of housing is a critical social development factor. With the growing worldwide urbanization and the demand pressure over real estate in many cities, the problem of affordability has gained increase attention by policy makers. Housing affordability is hardly a new topic from a literature perspective, but the recent post-pandemic worldwide inflation growth has re-centered affordability as key topic in the housing agenda. This paper provides a comprehensive overview on past literature and a detailed analysis on the Portuguese market at the municipal level, by analyzing the changes in housing affordability in recent years.

Findings

Despite this growth, overall, affordability has improved. The study also shows the importance of municipal-level analysis, given the significant geographical differences. The authors' study confirms that many municipalities, outside metropolitan areas, exhibit low levels of affordability. Nevertheless, markets with higher average real estate values tend to exhibit even lower affordability, outpacing the higher levels of income.

Originality/value

Previous studies have focused on affordability issues on a national or highly aggregated level or focusing only on the two largest metropolitan areas in the country. This paper provides a deeper understanding on the inequalities of housing affordability between Portuguese municipalities.

Details

Property Management, vol. 41 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2023

Gary John Rangel, Jason Wei Jian Ng., Thangarajah Thiyagarajan Murugasu and Wai Ching Poon

The purpose of this study is to use a lifetime income measure to evaluate the long-run housing affordability for an understudied cohort of households in the literature – the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to use a lifetime income measure to evaluate the long-run housing affordability for an understudied cohort of households in the literature – the millennials. The authors do this in the context of Malaysia, measuring long-run affordability for four housing types across geographic locations and income distributions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study calculates a long-run housing affordability index (HAI) using data on house prices and household incomes. Essentially a ratio of predicted lifetime incomes to house prices, the HAI is computed for four common housing types in Malaysia from 2005 to 2016 and for six states in the country. The HAI is also compared across four income percentiles.

Findings

The analysis reveals varying patterns of housing affordability among different states in Malaysia. Housing affordability has declined since 2010, with most housing types being unaffordable for millennial-led households with the lowest income. Housing is most affordable for those in the highest income bracket, although even here, there are pockets of unaffordable housing as well.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, this study proposes three targeted interventions to improve housing affordability for Malaysian millennials.

Originality/value

This study fills a gap in the literature by examining the long-run housing affordability of Malaysian millennial-led households based on both geographic location and income distribution. The millennial population is understudied in the housing affordability literature, making this study a valuable contribution to the field.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 17 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 June 2023

Mingchen Duan and Yi Duan

Previous studies on housing affordability in China were concentrated in China’s coastal and central regions. The purpose of this paper is to investigate housing affordability of…

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Abstract

Purpose

Previous studies on housing affordability in China were concentrated in China’s coastal and central regions. The purpose of this paper is to investigate housing affordability of urban residents in Northwest China. Moreover, this paper attempts to understand the consistency and influencing factors of various indicators on the evaluation of housing affordability.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses multiyear data on house sales, residents’ incomes and living expenses from 2011 to 2022. House price-to-income ratio, housing affordability index and residual income approach were calculated by using these data and used as the measure of housing affordability.

Findings

The results show that there are obvious differences in the housing affordability among the Xi’an, Lanzhou and Yinchuan during 2011–2022, and the housing affordability of residents in cities with small population and economic scale is better. The ability of most urban residents to afford suitable housing is still poor, and the ability to afford small-sized housing is better. Most families with below-middle income have poor housing affordability. It is also observed that although various indicators had similarities in the evaluation of residents’ housing affordability, the comprehensive evaluation results of multiple indicators were more reliable.

Social implications

The research results provide a basis for the decision-making of the government’s urban housing policy and improvement of residents’ housing conditions.

Originality/value

The results have a clear understanding of the housing affordability of urban residents in Northwest China. The study found that the geographical location and topography of the city is also a factor affecting the housing affordability.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 17 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 October 2011

Colin Jones, Craig Watkins and David Watkins

The purpose of this paper is to address both the measurement of affordability and variations in affordability between local housing market areas (HMAs).

1736

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address both the measurement of affordability and variations in affordability between local housing market areas (HMAs).

Design/methodology/approach

The practical data issues that arise from measuring local affordability are reviewed by reference to studies in the UK. The paper argues that local measures should relate to a functional geography of HMAs rather than simply local authority boundaries. This approach is shown to be more theoretically sound but faces data constraints. An empirical case study of the North West of England then follows as a demonstration based on a tiered geography of HMAs. It addresses the constraints on local income data by measuring affordability by reference to a particular household type and associated income.

Findings

Local UK affordability indicators are shown to be primarily about access to home ownership rather than a wider view of local house price structures on affordability. The paper also draws out the importance of affordability measures linked to functional market areas. The results of the analysis presented highlight that there are local differences in house price structures and hence associated differential affordability of house types between local HMAs.

Originality/value

This is the first study that examines affordability at the local level based on functional areas rather than local authority administrative boundaries. This approach gives a truer picture of the variability in local affordability. The applied analysis tackles the data constraints of functional areas and has the potential to be adapted and extended.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 4 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 June 2021

Graham Squires, Don Webber, Hai Hong Trinh and Arshad Javed

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between house price affordability (HPA) and rental price affordability (RPA) in New Zealand. The cointegration of HPA and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between house price affordability (HPA) and rental price affordability (RPA) in New Zealand. The cointegration of HPA and RPA is of particular focus given rising house prices and rising rents.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines the lead-lad correlation between HPA and RPA. The method uses a generalised least square technique and the development of an ordinary least squares model.

Findings

The study shows that there is an existence of cointegration and unidirectional statistical causality effects between HPA and RPA across 11 regions in New Zealand. Furthermore, Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury are the three regions in which the results detect the most extreme effects amongst HPA and RPA compared to other places in the country. Extended empirical work shows interesting results that there are lead-lag effects of HPA and RPA on each other and on mortgage rates at the national scale. These effects are consistent for both methods but are changed at individual lead-lag variables and amongst different regions.

Originality/value

The study empirically provides useful insight for both academia and practitioners. Particularly in examining the long-run effects, cointegration and forecasting of the volatile interactions between HPA and RPA.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2015

Chukwuma Christopher Nwuba, Iche U. Kalu and John A. Umeh

This paper aims to investigate homeownership affordability in Nigeria’s urban housing market to establish the determinants of households’ affordability outcomes, and the nature of…

1191

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate homeownership affordability in Nigeria’s urban housing market to establish the determinants of households’ affordability outcomes, and the nature of their impact.

Design/methodology/approach

The cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of households selected through a stratified random technique across Kaduna State, the study area. The binary logistic regression was used to model the probability of homeownership affordability as a function of specified explanatory variables.

Findings

Household income, savings, construction period and education are determinants of homeownership affordability with positive impact. Conversely, household size, cost of land, building cost inflation, current rental housing expenditures, non-housing expenditures and building cost relative to income are determinants of affordability with negative impact.

Practical implications

The findings have the potential to provide a framework for formulation of policy measures to improve access to homeownership.

Social implications

Delayed access to homeownership places pressure on the rented sector with the potential for rental housing affordability problems. It is a deferment of the actualisation of a strong aspiration which is detrimental to individual and family well-being and stability.

Originality/value

The study extends the housing affordability debate to housing markets operating on informal financing where households build rather than buy their homes, an area hitherto not deeply explored. It provides empirical basis for problem-solving on housing affordability and can be a framework for housing policy reforms in Nigeria.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 July 2012

Joanna Poon and Dean Garratt

The purpose of this paper is to present an analytical summary of UK housing policies. It aims to evaluate UK government's housing policies, before and after the publication of the…

5466

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an analytical summary of UK housing policies. It aims to evaluate UK government's housing policies, before and after the publication of the Barker Review, to tackle affordability issues in the owner‐occupied sector. It examines the extent to which housing policy contributes to or alleviates the problem of the affordability of owner‐occupied housing.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper evaluates the impact of UK government housing policies since 2000 on housing affordability by analysing their impact on the dynamics of housing demand and supply.

Findings

The Barker Review, which applied simple economic ideas and techniques in analysing the owner‐occupied UK housing market, argued that increases in new housing supply would help to improve housing affordability. The second Barker Review suggested that changes to the planning system were needed in order not only to increase new housing supply, but to make housing supply more sensitive to changing demands. The Barker Reviews brought about a major re‐think in government policy towards housing, particularly relating to new build and the planning system. However, the heavy reliance on the private sector to provide additional housing has reduced the effectiveness of policy changes. In addition, the adoption by the government of “demand‐side” housing policies has done little to negate the volatility of UK house prices or to raise the overall affordability of owner‐occupied housing.

Originality/value

This paper reflects on government failures in UK housing policy in addressing the affordability of owner‐occupied housing. The findings will be of interest to policy makers and housing researchers.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2013

Angelika Kallakmaa‐Kapsta and Ene Kolbre

The purpose of this study was – first, to find out how to evaluate affordability of housing in the Estonian market and, second, to assess the regulatory framework decisions'…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was – first, to find out how to evaluate affordability of housing in the Estonian market and, second, to assess the regulatory framework decisions' impact on the housing market in Estonia.

Design/methodology/approach

This article seeks answers to how to define housing affordability for the Estonian housing market. It also describes the regulatory framework and policy decisions made by the government.

Findings

Calculations show that there is an affordability problem, and political decisions have helped to make housing loans affordable for households, but at the same time the high debt burden has weakened households' financial position.

Research limitations/implications

It could be possible to research the market using the databases of credit institutions, but the given data is under the protection of banking confidentiality.

Practical implications

The HAI index, proposed by the authors, could be calculated regularly and it could be used as a possible indicator to evaluate the capability of the population to take on household loans in the Estonian household market as a whole.

Social implications

The problem of housing affordability is very important for all households, and there is a need to continue with research in this field. Some households cannot buy a house, some have loan repayment problems.

Originality/value

No research has been done in trying to find an answer for the affordability problem in the housing market in Estonia. Also there are no analyses about the impact of the regulatory framework on the housing market – whether the government goals are achieved or not.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 May 2018

Jeffrey Boon Hui Yap and Xin Hua Ng

The purpose of this paper is to explore the affordability of Malaysian housing market, sufficiency of affordable housing and factors influencing the housing affordability in…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the affordability of Malaysian housing market, sufficiency of affordable housing and factors influencing the housing affordability in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, qualitative research approach was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten industry practitioners from developers and real estate agencies and further validation with three industry experts.

Findings

The findings reveal that housing affordability is a grave concern to average Malaysians, and the supply of affordable housing is insufficient in the current residential property market. Income, property price, land cost and demand and supply are identified as significant factors affecting housing affordability.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings provide an insight rather than definitive information, as the small sample size could limit the generalizability of the findings. Future research can include participants from the public sector and focus on the policy options.

Practical implications

This paper provided numerous policies to ensure successful deliverability of affordable housing which eases government to partner with private sector to formulate a systematic framework for implementation of affordable housing programs and schemes.

Social implications

There is a need for government to pay more attention to housing needs of middle-income groups. Also, the government is urged to ensure transparent balloting process in every implementation of affordable housing programs.

Originality/value

The paper emphasised the issues of undersupply of affordable housing and mismatch of property price and income. The paper also highlights the key reasons behind high housing affordability index. Hence, it is hoped that this paper will encourage positive debate and gain some attention from the policymakers, practitioners and researchers in Malaysia and beyond.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

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