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A New Spatial Hedonic Equilibrium in the Emerging Work-from-Home Economy?

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  • Jan Brueckner
  • Matthew E. Kahn
  • Gary C. Lin

Abstract

This paper studies the impacts of work-from-home (WFH) in the housing market from both intercity and intracity perspectives. Our results confirm the theoretical prediction that WFH puts downward pressure on housing prices and rents in high-productivity counties, a result of workers starting to relocate to cheaper metro areas during the pandemic without forsaking their desirable jobs. We also show that WFH tends to flatten intracity house-price gradients, weakening the price premium associated with good job access.

Suggested Citation

  • Jan Brueckner & Matthew E. Kahn & Gary C. Lin, 2021. "A New Spatial Hedonic Equilibrium in the Emerging Work-from-Home Economy?," NBER Working Papers 28526, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:28526
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R14 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Land Use Patterns
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population

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