Differences in opportunities? Wage, unemployment and House-price effects on migration

Most empirical studies of individual migration choice analyse factors associated with out-migration from an origin location. In contrast, we model the migration decision within the context of potential destinations, combining British panel data over the period 1992-2007 with other data sources. Contrary to earlier micro studies we show that differences in house prices levels (but not growth) are important determinants of household migration. Regional differences in expected individual wages and employment opportunities affect unemployed individuals in particular. The spouse's employment risk appears to deter household migration more than wage differentials.