ABSTRACT

House prices and mortgage debt have moved to centre stage in the management of national economies, regional development and neighbourhood change. Describing, analysing and understanding how housing markets work within and across these scales of economy and society has never been more urgent. But much more is known about the macro-scales than the microstructures; and about the economic rather than social drivers of housing market dynamics. This book redresses the balance. It shows that housing markets are social, cultural and psychological – as well as economic – affairs. This multidisciplinary approach is helpful in understanding the economic staples of supply, demand, price and information. It also casts new light on the emotional and political economy of markets.

chapter 1|4 pages

Introduction

The Microstructures of Housing Markets

chapter 3|34 pages

Understanding Neighbourhood Housing Markets

Regional Context, Disequilibrium, Sub-markets and Supply

chapter 4|19 pages

‘Doing Deals on the House’ in a ‘Post-welfare’ Society

Evidence of Micro-Market Practices from Britain and the USA

chapter 5|19 pages

Between Investment, Asset and Use

The Meanings of Homeownership in Japan

chapter 7|19 pages

Influences and Emotions

Exploring Family Decision-making Processes when Buying a House

chapter 8|27 pages

The Effect of Consumers' Expectations in a Booming Housing Market

Space-time Patterns in the Netherlands, 1999–2000