David E. Dowall

Establishing Urban Land Markets in the People's Republic of China

Abstract While the worlds attention focuses on the monumental reforms underway in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, the Peoples Republic of China has been systematically restructuring its socialist economy, gradually introducing market mechanisms to improve the allocative efficiency of its institutions. This article examines reforms in urban land management. It reviews and assesses current land management practices, describes urban land market reform experiments, and offers specific recommendations for improving land market efficiency.

An Evaluation of California's Enterprise Zone Programs

In 1984, California joined the growing list of states adopting enterprise zone legislation in an attempt to stimulate targeted business development and employment growth within economically distressed areas. This article reports on a first-ever assessment of whether Californias two enterprise zone programs have stimulated employment. The existing Enterprise Zone and Economic Incentive Area programs (referred to in the article collectively as enterprise zone programs) have produced very modest economic benefits, and there is little evidence to suggest that they have strengthened the economic advantages of Californias zones. Shift-share analysis indicates that employment growth was lower than predicted in 11 of 13 areas. A survey of businesses indicates that in only 23 cases did zone program incentives influence plant location or expansion decisions. In and of themselves, zone incentives and resources have apparently done little to boost job creation and business investment.

The Price of Land for Housing in Jakarta

In spite of its potential value to governments, detailed information as to how land prices vary spatially within Third World cities is usually lacking. This paper discusses the distribution of land prices in Jakarta using information provided on a neighbourhood basis by experienced real estate brokers. Appraised prices were given for different types of residential plot distinguished by tenure and infrastructural provision. Analysis of the data in Jakarta shows the relative importance of infrastructural provision and tenure (land title) for land prices. Examination of such data over time makes it possible to test whether and where there has been a spiralling of land prices, and in the case of Jakarta it is found that recent price increases have been consistently greater in suburban areas and in informal-sector plots, arising from the massive demand from low-income households for affordable housing. The paper concludes by drawing out policy implications.

Urban Residential Redevelopment in the People's Republic of China

This paper reports on an evaluation of urban redevelopment policies and practices in the Peoples Republic of China. In most Chinese cities, redevelopment regulations require the on-site replacement of demolished housing, the provision of additional community facilities, and the payment of numerous fees, taxes and charges. These regulations greatly impair the feasibility of most urban redevelopment projects, and result in a very low level of redevelopment activity across urban China. To spur much-needed urban redevelopment, Chinese cities should consider following the example of Hong Kong, Seoul and Singapore and allow real estate development companies to pay cash compensation for buildings and land given up for redevelopment. Such an approach would enhance the financial feasibility and transparency of redevelopment projects.

Land-Use Controls and Housing Costs: An Examination of San Francisco Bay Area Communities

This paper reports on our efforts to gauge the effects of land use controls on housing markets. We discuss how land use controls affect land and housing markets and explain why communities use such controls to restrict development. We present the results of an econometric model created to assess the inflationary effects of land use controls on housing costs. The model is based on data assembled in the San Francisco Bay Area. The model results indicate that density controls and land availability do systematically affect the price of new housing units. Copyright American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association.

Spatial transformation in cities of the developing world: Multinucleation and land-capital substitution in Bogota, Colombia

Abstract Bogota has undergone a significant spatial transformation in recent years. Subcenters of employment and commerce have formed at peripheral locations, and these have become surrounded by high-density residential activity. This paper uses several large data sets to describe and analyze these changes. We estimate multicentric density and land value gradients for the years 1973 and 1985, and then explore how housing producers respond to changes in land prices, by calculating a land-capital substitution elasticity. The results slow clearly the declining relevance of the monocentric model over time, and also provide an explanation for the densification of the city.

Bangkok : A Profile of an Efficiently Performing Housing Market

This paper reports on a study of the Bangkok land and housing market. The study is based on extensive surveys of projects, developers, households, and the interpretation of aerial photographic information. The results of the study indicate that Bangkoks land and housing markets are operating very efficiently, with the formal private sector providing 27 per cent of the total housing stock increase between 1974 and 1984. The regions supply of developable land with roadway access increased by over 20 per cent between 1974 and 1984. As a result, land values have not increased substantially in real terms and overall housing affordability improved between 1982 and 1986. The Bangkok study is important for housing policy makers because it provides a profile of a well-performing land and housing market.

A Second Look at the Bangkok Land and Housing Market

An earlier paper by the present author, published in this journal in 1989, reported on a detailed analysis of the Bangkok land and housing market, carried out in 1987-88. Based on a recent reassessment, this paper compares the performance of Bangkoks land and housing markets in 1974-84 and 1988-90. The results of the comparative analysis are striking: despite rapid increases in land conversion pressure and price increases, Bangkoks housing developers are still providing considerable amounts of affordable housing. Unconstrained by zoning, they have decentralised development projects and increased project densities dramatically.

Reducing the Cost Effects of Local Land Use Controls

Abstract This article discusses the inflationary effects of local land use controls, and proposes a monitoring system for measuring the demand for and supply of residential land. By monitoring the demand for and supply of land, local land use planners can adjust land development regulations to avoid substantial land price inflation. The steps for creating a local land monitoring system are outlined, and a hypothetical case is presented. The article ends by discussing why local communities would be willing to adopt a land monitoring system.

Consequences of the Plano Piloto: The Urban Development and Land Markets of Brasília

Much has been written about what is perhaps the largest and most important city built entirely in the 20th century. By some, Brasília is seen as the epitome of modernisms failure and, by others, simply an example of an overregulated city unable to cope with rapid urbanisation and population growth. This paper argues that Brasília is not a typical case. The spatial structure of the metropolitan region of Brasília is completely different from comparable regions in Brazil and its land market exhibits several distinct patterns. Furthermore, it is argued that the regions unique origin and restrictive urban land development policies have led to the current sprawling form of the region. It is concluded that the urban form of Brasília is detrimental to the quality of life of its residents as it leads to higher housing and transport costs.