Housing property rights and subjective wellbeing in urban China

- We present a theoretical model on housing property rights and subjective wellbeing in China.
- We test the predictions of the theoretical model using a nationally representative dataset.
- Homeownership and property rights matter for subjective wellbeing.
- The type of home loan one has matters for subjective wellbeing.

This study explores the relationship between home ownership and subjective wellbeing in urban China. We first present a theoretical model examining the relationship between housing property rights and subjective wellbeing in China. We then test the predictions of the theoretical model using a nationally representative dataset. We find that not only home ownership but also the types of property rights one acquires matter for subjective wellbeing. Moreover, not only whether one has a home loan, but the type of home loan one has matters for subjective wellbeing.