This study aims to investigate the link between homeownership and subjective wellbeing among educated young migrants in urban China, using data collected in Shenzhen in 2022. Past research has explored this relationship in the general Chinese population and rural migrants, but educated young migrants have been less studied. Compared to the extant literature, this study examines not just homeowners versus renters, but also a broader range of housing tenures, home mortgage types, mortgage-to-income ratios, and non-local homeownership. All these housing-related variables were found to be associated with the subjective well-being of educated young migrants. However, when factors like hukou, occupation, income, and children are controlled, homeownership, home mortgage type, mortgage-to-income ratio, and non-local homeownership do not wield a significant impact on subjective well-being. Still, compared to private rental housing, public rental housing and partial homeownership significantly improve the subjective well-being of educated young migrants, even after controlling for other variables. The findings suggest that to enhance the subjective well-being of educated young migrants, local governments might prioritise the establishment of a secure and stable public rental housing system. The role of partial ownership housing in offering housing options, such as small property right housing in urban villages and dual-use housing, should also be recognised. These measures could not only alleviate housing pressures for educated young migrants, but also help retain them and integrate them into Chinese cities.
| Date of Award | 29 Jul 2024 |
|---|
| Original language | English |
|---|
| Awarding Institution | |
|---|
| Supervisor | Huimin Helen DU (Supervisor) |
|---|