Explaining the Route To Owner Occupation: A Transatlantic Comparison

Young adult homeownership rates in the U.S. are considerably lower than in Britain, even though overall homeownership rates in the two countries are almost identical. By implication, U.S. young adults have a slower rate of transition into homeownership. This paper employs a common theoretical and methodological framework to examine the reasons behind the differences in transition rates. The paper also highlights the main issues and barriers associated with entry into this housing tenure in each country. Based on our empirical results, partial simulations are conducted to assess whether the US and the UK require similar or different polices to resolve these issues and help young adults to make their first house purchase.