Residential Mobility in Chinese Cities: A Longitudinal Analysis

Abstract

This paper aims to understand residential mobility in non-market economies by conducting a case study of Chinese cities, a socialist society in transition. It is argued that residential mobility in China is mainly triggered by changes in housing supply and housing qualification, both of which are determined by housing policies. Using a retrospective survey in 20 Chinese cities, it was found that while the overall mobility is low, it has fluctuated significantly over time with a recent rising trend, which corresponds to historical changes in housing policies. The longitudinal models show that while some factors such as change of marital status and work units have consistent effects on mobility over time, indicating the persistency of the socialist housing system, others such as housing tenure have different effects over time, demonstrating changes in the Chinese housing system. The results share some similarities with the Western models, yet they demonstrate significant differences despite recent market penetrations. A framework that emphasizes the roles of the state and housing policies, and their change over time is needed to better understand residential mobility in China.

Residential Mobility of Skilled Migrants in Nanjing, China

“…Previous studies using data from the early 2000s conclude that, in transitional China, both market mechanisms and the institutional legacy play a vital role in residents' housing behaviour (Huang and Deng, 2006;Li, 2003;Liu and Chai, 2013). Our study contributes to this debate by showing an up-to-date picture based on data obtained in 2012, when commodity housing has emerged as a major pathway to homeownership in urban China (Liang, 2013).…”

The effects of public housing on internal mobility in Hong Kong

“…and a positive impact on wages. Huang and Deng (2006) show that housing tenure has consistent but different effects on mobility over time in China. Helderman et al (2004) argue that there is a decrease in the effect of homeownership on residential mobility given a rapid rise in homeownership in the Netherlands.…”

Residential mobility within Guangzhou city, China, 1990–2010: local residents versus migrants

“…The process of inter-city migration and the underlying mechanisms pertaining to household registration ( hukou ) system have been well documented (e.g., Chan, Liu, and Yang 1999; Chan and Zhang 1999); the literature, however, has paid much less attention to the more local process of intra-city migration. Indeed, only a few authors have analyzed the patterns of and factors underlying housing decisions and residential mobility of China’s urbanites (see for example, Huang and Deng 2006; S.-M. Li 2004, 2005; S.-M. Li and Siu 2001; S.-M. Li, Wang, and Law. 2005; Logan, Y. Bian, and F. Bian 1999; F.…”