Hedging House Price Risk with Incomplete Markets

Abstract

This paper solves a model of the optimal asset and consumption choices of a liquidity constrained investor who derives utility from the consumption of both non-durable consumption goods and housing. Using PSID labor income and house price data I estimate a large positive correlation between income shocks and house price shocks, and a large negative correlation between house prices and interest rates. I use these estimates to parameterize the model. Using the model I evaluate the effects of labor income, interest rate and house price risk on housing choices and investor welfare. Due to the dual role of housing as an asset and a source of consumption services, liquidity constraints are an important determinant of hedging demands.

Keywords: Hedging demands, asset choices, interest rate risk, house price risk, labor income risk, borrowing constraints

JEL Classification: G12