How does housing price affect consumption in China: Wealth effect or substitution effect?

This study investigates the asymmetric effects of housing price on consumption in 35 major Chinese cities, having regard to heterogeneity of the housing and financial markets. Unlike previous studies, this study employs the threshold regression model in analyzing the two important effects: namely wealth effect and substitution effect. The findings suggest that both markets (and their status) are vital to explain the linkage between housing price and consumption. In particular, for the regime where the housing price-to-income ratio is below 5.0882 and the indicator of financial development is above 1.8827, the wealth effect is significant. By contrast, for the regime where the housing price-to-income ratio lies between 5.0882 and 5.9625, the substitution effect will become dominant. This study provides a better understanding of the thresholds and transmission channels through which housing price affects consumption. That is largely ignored in the existing literature. On the other hand, the study offers meaningful implications for policy makers in formulating relevant measures that transfers housing wealth into consumption, with a view to developing a healthier and more stable housing market and bolstering better economic development in China. •This study investigates the asymmetric effects of housing price on consumption in 35 major Chinese cities.•Housing assets exert wealth effects on consumption when the housing market is healthy and the financial market develops to a high degree.•Housing assets exert substitution effects on consumption when the housing market is unhealthy and financial market is less developed.•The influence of housing price on consumption in China altered in 2009.