Housing Search Methods and Residential Satisfaction

Author: Hiroaki Niikura、Michio Naoi、Miki Seko
Date: 2020/10/19
No: DP2020-019
JEL Classification codes: R31, R21, D83
Language: Japanese
[ Abstract / Highlights ]

This paper examines the impact of housing search methods on subsequent residential satisfaction among Japanese homeowners. Our empirical results based on the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) show that using the Internet or visiting housing exhibits during a search process can improve subsequent residential satisfaction. These results are consistent with the notion that these information search methods can alleviate information asymmetry and/or provide more information about properties available on market. Furthermore, the positive effects of these search methods on residential satisfaction can be observed for custom-build homes and second-hand homes but not for houses built for sale.