Not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY): The case of Singapore's subsidized rental housing

Abstract

This study, motivated by the increasing prominence of the NIMBYism and the introduction of subsidized rental schemes, examines the relationship of subsidized rental housing and HDB resale property values. This preliminary study contributes to the local real estate literature to establish the influence of subsidized rental housing on HDB resale property values. It serves to provide insights to the policy makers ensure equitable and fair distribution of subsidized rental housing nationwide. In addition, this supplements a developer’s perspectives in the provision of a residential development in proximity to rental blocks. A hedonic regression model was adopted to determine the relationship of NIMBY effect on property values. Findings suggest the negative relationship of subsidized rental housing and HDB resale property prices. Specifically, the increase in concentration of these subsidized housing clusters depressed property values. A key finding of the study would be that the higher income group exhibits a more pervasive NIMBY effect towards rental housing in which they are willing to pay a premium for locating within close proximity to rental houses. As more rental blocks are in the pipeline, more home owners will be affected by the impact of Subsidized Rental Housing. Location of rental blocks has to be strategic to encourage social integration and maintain balance of socio-economic neighbourhood demographics. It would be meaningful to find out the relative distance and the optimal number of rental blocks in each town with ArcGIS. This gives valuers more insight on the magnitude and relationship between resale property value and SRH in different circumstances.