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Housing property rights and subjective wellbeing in urban China

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  • Cheng, Zhiming
  • King, Stephen P.
  • Smyth, Russell
  • Wang, Haining

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between home ownership and subjective wellbeing in urban China. We first present a theoretical model examining the relationship between housing property rights and subjective wellbeing in China. We then test the predictions of the theoretical model using a nationally representative dataset. We find that not only home ownership but also the types of property rights one acquires matter for subjective wellbeing. Moreover, not only whether one has a home loan, but the type of home loan one has matters for subjective wellbeing.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheng, Zhiming & King, Stephen P. & Smyth, Russell & Wang, Haining, 2016. "Housing property rights and subjective wellbeing in urban China," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 45(S), pages 160-174.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:poleco:v:45:y:2016:i:s:p:160-174
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpoleco.2016.08.002
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Subjective wellbeing; Housing property rights; Home ownership; Home loan; China;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • K11 - Law and Economics - - Basic Areas of Law - - - Property Law
    • R21 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Housing Demand
    • R31 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location - - - Housing Supply and Markets

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