The Impact of Housing Price Volatility on Household Consumption in Northeast China Across Different Demographic Profiles

Abstract

Amidst the backdrop of an economic downturn, urban housing prices in China have exhibited substantial volatility, significantly impacting domestic demand and household consumption. Demographic characteristics of households have played a pivotal moderating role in this dynamic. Due to economic stagnation and population outflow, Northeast China has garnered heightened attention. This study employs microdata from households in Liaoning and Heilongjiang provinces, spanning from 1989 to 2015, to conduct an empirical examination. The findings indicate that rising housing prices exert a pronounced positive influence on household consumption, particularly among households with children and those headed by elderly individuals. Conversely, the educational attainment of the household head does not exhibit a statistically significant impact on the real estate wealth effect. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at stimulating domestic demand and stabilizing housing prices in Northeast China.