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Journal of Banking & Finance Vol. 34 No. 3 2010

Endogenous housing market cycles

Dag Einar Sommervoll1; Trond-Arne Borgersen2; Tom Wennemo1

1 Statistics Norway · 2 Østfold University College

Abstract

Housing markets tend to display positive serial correlation as well as considerable volatility over time. We present a heterogeneous agent model illustrating the connection between adaptive expectations and housing market fluctuations. A dwelling serves as a shelter, as a vehicle for investment and as mortgage collateral. Interesting dynamics arise as the valuation of these three properties changes over time through the interaction of buyers, sellers and mortgagees. In the absence of credit constraints imposed by mortgagees, house prices oscillate mildly around the equilibrium price. However, credit constraints imposed by mortgagees can affect market dynamics quite dramatically with periods of mild oscillations interrupted by violent collapses. This chaotic behavior arises even though buyers, sellers and mortgagees agree on market forecasts.

DOI
10.1016/j.jbankfin.2009.08.021
Volume
34
Issue
3
Pages
557-567
Language
en
Sources
openalex crossref bibtex:phds-export.bib

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