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Originally Posted by Scucca  Have a look at international differences in home ownership rates. In general, it is countries with stunted social welfare provision that have higher rates. Of course that is insufficient for proof. However, it certainly is consistent with the hypothesis |
Which countries (other than the U.S.) show this trend?
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Originally Posted by Scucca A study here (I'll have to try and dig it out if you're interested) found higher mental illness amongst home owners. That wouldn't be consistent with the non-pecuniary benefits angle. |
Mental illness is a very broad term. It may simply be that those who own homes are more likely to report mental illnesses (as they can afford the treatment, or to view it as an socially acceptable). Moreover, that sounds more like correlation than causation. That's one non-pecuniary cost. The pecuniary benefits are plentiful (privacy, stronger sense of community, usually less noise so as to provide more restful sleep, and much more).
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Originally Posted by Scucca There certainly are regional differences. However, in countries with high general home ownership, I'd suggest that house price bubbles that hinder the supply of first time buyers are a significant determinant of those |
Determinant of layout?