Understanding Affordability
The Economics of Housing Markets
By Geoffrey Meen and Christine Whitehead
Published
Jul 8, 2020Page count
336 pagesISBN
978-1529211856Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 8, 2020Page count
336 pagesISBN
978-1529211863Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 8, 2020Page count
336 pagesISBN
978-1529211894Imprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 8, 2020Page count
336 pagesISBN
978-1529211894Imprint
Bristol University Press
Understanding Affordability
In the media
On our blog: Private renting and affordability: is COVID-19 making it worse?
'How do we solve the housing crisis?' in PricedOut Podcast
'Housing affordability has worsened for many as incomes stagnate' in LSE London blog
For many younger and lower-income people, housing affordability continues to worsen.
Based on the academic research of two distinguished housing economists – and stimulated by working with governments across the world - this wide-ranging book sets out clear theoretical and empirical frameworks to tackle one of today’s most important socio-economic issues.
Housing unaffordability arises from complex forces and a prerequisite to effective policy is understanding the causes of rising house prices and rents and the interactions between housing, housing finance and the macroeconomy. The authors challenge many of the conventional wisdoms in housing policy and offer innovative recommendations to improve affordability.
"This is a book that scores at the top of the scale on scholarship quality. It is undoubtedly set to become a renowned landmark and reference point in the housing studies field." Housing Studies
"The book sets out to unpick the complex forces exacerbating the endemic unaffordability of UK Housing. Thankfully, it offers insight and recommendations to improve our country’s dire situation." Red Brick
"A hugely informative account of the underlying problems in our housing market and why they are so very difficult to tackle." The Society of Professional Economists
“I recommend this fine book to anyone interested in housing economics, and particularly housing affordability in the United Kingdom. It is rare to have a book that presents economic analysis with a sober reflection on political constraints and that also emphasizes the roots of and embraces new developments in the discipline. Understanding Affordability fills that void.” Journal of the American Planning Association
“Brings a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to the analysis of the UK housing market.” David Miles, Imperial College London
“Internationally famed economists Geoffrey Meen and Christine Whitehead provide compelling insights for Understanding Affordability. Their holistic diagnosis offers sobering expectations about what various housing policy prescriptions can achieve.” George Galster, Wayne State University
Geoffrey Meen is Professor Emeritus in Applied Economics at the University of Reading and is a member of the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence.
Christine Whitehead is Professor Emeritus in Housing Economics and Deputy Director of LSE London at the London School of Economics.
Crisis, What Crisis?
Is Housing Really Unaffordable?
What Factors Determine Changes in House Prices and Rents?
Influences on Household Formation and Tenure
Rental Affordability
What Determines the Number of New Homes Built?
Housing Demand, Financial Markets and Taxation
Housing, Affordability and the Macroeconomy
Planning and the Assessment of Housing Need and Demand
Raising the Level of Provate Housing Construction
Subsidizing the Supply of Rental Housing
Subsidizing the Housing Costs of Lower-Income Tenants
Increasing Home Ownership
Where Do We Go from Here?
