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Health implications of housing retrofits: Evidence from a population-wide weatherization program

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  • Künn, Steffen
  • Palacios, Juan

Abstract

This study provides the first population-representative quasi-experimental estimates on the impact of housing upgrades on occupant health. We analyze the exceptional period of renovations in East Germany following the German reunification during the 1990s. Triggered by one of the largest governmental loan programs in history, 3.6 million dwellings were renovated, focussing on upgrades to the building insulation, windows and heating systems. Using rich survey data based on the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) as well as administrative records of hospital admissions in Germany, we consistently show that housing weatherization upgrades sustainably reduce the demand for health care among the elderly sample of the population.

Suggested Citation

  • Künn, Steffen & Palacios, Juan, 2024. "Health implications of housing retrofits: Evidence from a population-wide weatherization program," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jhecon:v:98:y:2024:i:c:s016762962400081x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2024.102936
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Housing quality; Renovation program; Health;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H54 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Infrastructures
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • R21 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Housing Demand
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population
    • R38 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location - - - Government Policy

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