Homeownership and the Perception of Material Security in Old Age (in Applied Economics)

Using data from 15 European countries, the authors analyse the relationship between homeownership and material security, as measured through subjective evaluation of the likelihood of being better or worse off in the future. They find that homeowners have a higher level of material security than renters, and this association is especially strong for those living in big cities. The authors interpret the results as support for the argument that homeownership offers a very particular form of material security, which, through reduction of perceived material risks, may be behind its positive implications for well-being.

Full article is available here: Garten, C., Myck, M., & Oczkowska, M. (2024). Homeownership and the perception of material security in old age. Applied Economics, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/00036846.2024.2364109

A Working Paper version is available as the IZA Discussion Paper.

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