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Inequality in housing affordability: Measurement and estimation

Author

Listed:
  • Danny Ben-Shahar

    (Tel Aviv University, Israel)

  • Jacob Warszawski

    (Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Israel)

Abstract

This research proposes and examines a new measure for assessing the state of housing affordability inequality. We employ a large micro-level data set by which we estimate and evaluate the time-varying housing affordability inequality in Israel over the period 1992–2011. Results show that our developed housing affordability inequality Gini coefficient has considerably increased in the past decade. Moreover, controlling for changes in net income inequality and macroeconomic conditions, housing affordability inequality is found to positively correlate with average housing prices (computed in net income terms). Outcomes are robust to the alternative Atkinson inequality index. Furthermore, our method allows for an examination of segmentation in housing affordability. We find that segmentation particularly prevails across household head’s gender, family status, working status, the number of income providers in the household and household geographical residence. Research outcomes may direct policymakers in designing policies aiming to reduce inequality and segmentation in housing affordability.

Suggested Citation

  • Danny Ben-Shahar & Jacob Warszawski, 2016. "Inequality in housing affordability: Measurement and estimation," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 53(6), pages 1178-1202, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:53:y:2016:i:6:p:1178-1202
    DOI: 10.1177/0042098015572529
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    Blog mentions

    As found by EconAcademics.org, the blog aggregator for Economics research:
    1. Housing Gotham: The 21st Century So Far (Part I)
      by Jason Barr in Skynomics Blog on 2021-09-27 12:02:57

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