Description/Abstract
Mobility matches open housing markets. With constrained mobility and partially open housing markets, market responses reflect the constraints. We study this mechanism by examining disparity in access to public schools across socio-economic groups, focusing on properties near primary schools accessible to migrant students under social integration policies in a Chinese megacity. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we uncover complex spatial and market dynamics: while house prices close to ordinary primary schools remained relatively stable, house prices farther away declined markedly. This differential impact suggests the interaction between a potential "peer effect" and an "amenity effect." The rental rates showed little change from the migrant inflow and native flights. The reform also triggered a decrease in second-hand house sales, coupled with increased rental activities. This study highlights the effect of school enrollment policies on urban spatial dynamics, with significant implications for policymakers seeking to promote social integration in megacities.
Document Type
Working Paper
Date
11-24-2025
Keywords
Housing market, Rural-urban migration, Constrained mobility, Differential rights, Tenants, Homeowners, School enrollment
Language
English
Series
Working Papers Series
Disciplines
Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Public Policy | Transportation and Mobility Management
ISBN
1525-3066
Recommended Citation
Hou, Yilin; Qi, Jinghua; and Tang, Yugang, "Housing Market Responses to Constrained Mobility Rights - Evidence from A School Enrollment Reform for Migrant Children" (2025). Center for Policy Research. 514.
https://surface.syr.edu/cpr/514
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
