Housing cycles and their impact on the financial system and the macroeconomy have become the center of attention following the global financial crisis. This paper documents the characteristics of housing cycles in a large set of countries, and examines the determinants of house price movements. Empirical analysis shows that house price dynamics are mostly driven by income and demographics but fluctuations in these fundamentals and credit conditions can create deviations from the implied equilibrium path. We conclude with a discussion of the macroeconomic implications of house price corrections.

Housing cycles and their impact on the financial system and the macroeconomy have become the center of attention following the global financial crisis. This paper documents the characteristics of housing cycles in a large set of countries, and examines the determinants of house price movements. Empirical analysis shows that house price dynamics are mostly driven by income and demographics but fluctuations in these fundamentals and credit conditions can create deviations from the implied equilibrium path. We conclude with a discussion of the macroeconomic implications of house price corrections.

Throughout the Western world, a whole generation is being priced out of the housing market. For millions of people, particularly millennials, the basic goal of acquiring decent, affordable accommodation is a distant dream. Leading economist Josh Ryan-Collins argues that to understand this crisis, we must examine a crucial paradox at the heart of modern capitalism. The interaction of private home ownership and a lightly regulated commercial banking system leads to a feedback cycle. Unlimited credit and money flows into an inherently finite supply of property, which causes rising house prices, declining home ownership, rising inequality and debt, stagnant growth and financial instability. Radical reforms are needed to break the cycle. This engaging and topical book will be essential reading for anyone who wants to understand why they can’t find an affordable home, and what we can do about it.

We examine the properties of house price fluctuations across 18 advanced economies over the past 40 years. We ask two specific questions: First, how synchronized are housing cycles across these countries? Second, what are the main shocks driving movements in global house prices? To address these questions, we first estimate the global components in house prices and various macroeconomic and financial variables. We then evaluate the roles played by a variety of global shocks, including shocks to interest rates, monetary policy, productivity, credit, and uncertainty, in explaining house price fluctuations using a wide range of FAVAR models. We find that house prices are synchronized across countries, and the degree of synchronization has increased over time. Global interest rate shocks tend to have a significant negative effect on global house prices whereas global monetary policy shocks per se do not appear to have a sizeable impact. Interestingly, uncertainty shocks seem to be important in explaining fluctuations in global house prices.

Updated for 2015! The recession is over, house prices are heading steadily upwards again, and you're convinced that property could be your key to financial freedom. And it could. But where do you start? Do you invest near where you live, or wherever yields are best? Do you rent to families, or professionals, or students? Should you be trawling through Rightmove or lurking at property auctions? This short book covers the big questions you should be asking yourself before you so much as glance at an estate agent's window. It contains a jargon-free explanation of basic investment principles, summaries of the major post-crunch investment strategies, and advice on developing a mindset that will support your long-term success. The book also includes a curated "further reading" list of recommended books, magazines, forums, blogs and podcasts to help you confidently take your next steps in your property investment journey. You'll learn... How to pick an investment strategy that matches your skills and goals The only three calculations you need to know to size up any deal An overview of every major investment approach, from the most safe and boring to the probably-not-a-good-idea-but-here-you-go-anyway How to (safely and sustainably) stretch a limited pot of cash to build whatever size portfolio you want ...although you will need to endure some pretty shocking jokes along the way. Sorry about that. Praise for "Property Investment For Beginners"... "The book is very easy to read and the explanations are very clear, with some good humour to boot! With a good set of references and online links, this book is a must for anyone interested in property investment." - P Cowley "A property investment book that keeps it simple. I really enjoyed it, and will use it as my main point of reference. Unlike most of the other books, the reader doesn't have to endure the rags to riches rubbish and the inevitable sales pitch for further training." - Nesser "I stumbled across this book randomly on Amazon and I'm so pleased I did - it has given me an excellent overview of what it is to invest in property and has really helped me to focus on my specific goals. It has also opened my eyes to a world of useful tools and contacts which I may never have found without it. Other books may have been able to do this but I'm not sure they would've been so enjoyable to read. If you are thinking of investing in property, or perhaps already are but want to take it further, this is a must read book." - whatkatythinks "When you buy this book, you are not only getting a property wizard, you are also getting a warm-hearted guy. In his book, Rob mentions several times that you can contact him via email and he'll try to help you out. And HE DID! I tentatively emailed him with some questions and he replied right away! Of course, I know he's probably not able to do this for everybody, but even if he just replied to one question, he has proven that he's genuine and kind. And what he replied me with is thoughtful, honest and probably saved me a fortune in the end. Totally worth every penny. Get the book!" - kaitlinjj Scroll up and hit "Buy Now" to start turning your property dreams into reality!

Explains how we got into the current economic disaster that developed out of the economics and politics of the housing boom and bust. The "creative" financing of home mortgages and "creative" marketing of financial securities based on these mortgages to countries around the world, are part of the story of how a financial house of cards was built up--and then collapsed.

This open access book discusses booming housing markets in cities around the globe, and the resulting challenges for policymakers and central banks. Cities are booming everywhere, leading to a growing demand for urban housing. In many cities this demand is out-pacing supply, which causes house prices to soar and increases the pressure on rental markets. These developments are posing major challenges for policymakers, central banks and other authorities responsible for ensuring financial stability, and economic well-being in general.This volume collects views from high-level policymakers and researchers, providing essential insights into these challenges, their impact on society, the economy and financial stability, and possible policy responses. The respective chapters address issues such as the popularity of cities, the question of a credit-fueled housing bubble, the role of housing supply frictions and potential policy solutions. Given its scope, the book offers a revealing read and valuable guide for everyone involved in practical policymaking for housing markets, mortgage credit and financial stability.