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Why Housing?

Author

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  • Adam J. Levitin
  • Susan M. Wachter

Abstract

Asset bubbles come and go. Only the housing bubble, however, brought the economy to its knees. Why? What makes housing uniquely a cause of macroeconomic risk? This article examines the workings of the housing market as well as theories and empirical evidence about the housing bubble. It explains why housing is a particular source of macroeconomic risk and how changes in the housing finance channel were the critical element in the formation of the bubble.

Suggested Citation

  • Adam J. Levitin & Susan M. Wachter, 2013. "Why Housing?," Housing Policy Debate, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(1), pages 5-27, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:houspd:v:23:y:2013:i:1:p:5-27
    DOI: 10.1080/10511482.2012.749936
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Anundsen, André Kallåk & Heebøll, Christian, 2016. "Supply restrictions, subprime lending and regional US house prices," Journal of Housing Economics, Elsevier, vol. 31(C), pages 54-72.
    2. Barakova, Irina & Calem, Paul S. & Wachter, Susan M., 2014. "Borrowing constraints during the housing bubble," Journal of Housing Economics, Elsevier, vol. 24(C), pages 4-20.

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