Modélisation de la variabilité spatiale des prix des logements en Tunisie : une nouvelle approche d'estimation des indices de prix régionaux

This article aims at estimating the implicit prices of housing characteristics and deriving spatial price indices using the hedonic approach. First, we consider the standard hedonic model alternating different functional forms. Then, we present a spatial model that accounts for the heterogeneity of hedonic coefficients. Evidence from Tunisia confirms the goodness-of-fit of the spatial model. On the one hand, it turns out that the accessibility to piped drinking water, the modern structure of the dwelling and the living space are the most valued housing features by Tunisian households. On the other hand, social diversity seems to impact on the urban configuration in Tunisia. The spatial model identifies an important degree of heterogeneity in the marginal values of the housing characteristics. These values record regularities in spatial patterns that emerge in the spatial price indices which are proportional to the relative economic and urban size of Tunisian regions.