Context Dependencies in Housing Choice Behavior

Existing experimentally based decompositional models of housing preferences and choice behavior do not account for possible substitution or context dependencies among choice alternatives. These authors seek to extend existing models by demonstrating how discrete choice experiments may be used to develop housing choice models that allow one to test for possible context dependencies. The design strategy and model specification are discussed. The modelling approach is illustrated in the context of simulated housing choices of divorcees. The results indicate that context dependencies play a significant role in the understanding of these people's housing preferences and choices.