This paper analyzes how the dynamics of house prices are affected by the option to rebuild or enlarge existing dwellings. The nonlinear functional form for option value and zoning limits provides identification of changes in option value over the cycle. For homes with high development potential,...

This paper shows that a family of the Dixit–Stiglitz type of new economic geography models is capable of simulating the real-world tendency for agglomeration to the primate city. It is often observed that while regional populations were dispersed in early times, they have been increasingly...

While many studies have shown that “green price premiums” accompany the development of green buildings, there is still significant doubt among the public as to the financial viability of investments in energy efficiency. In this paper, we examine this issue from the developers' perspective,...

Microeconomic applications of semi-parametric models with an endogenous variable have been largely ignored. Recognizing spatial heterogeneity captured by semi-parametric cost function models can impact economies of scale estimates. We estimate several cost function models, using panel data for...

We examine the effect of urban agglomeration on access to mortgage credit using HMDA data from 1994 to 2008. Previous studies suggest that agglomeration should increase access to specialized workers and information, both of which should enhance liquidity in mortgage lending. Findings indicate...

It is well established that the thickness of local markets can enhance entrepreneurial activity (Vernon (1960)). It has been more recently established that because they carry out so many different tasks, a balance of skills may be beneficial to entrepreneurs (Lazear (2004, 2005)). This paper...

Since January of 2005, 250 building projects in the City of Singapore have been awarded the Green Mark for energy efficiency and sustainability. This paper analyzes the private returns to these investments, evaluating the premium in asset values they command in the market. We analyze almost...