Like father, like son? Intergenerational transmission of household housing preference: Evidence from China

Based on the cross-generational data of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2010, 2014, 2018, this paper empirically explores the intergenerational transmission of household housing preference and its underlying mechanism from a perspective of intergenerational transmission. It finds that: (1) There is a distinct intergenerational transmission of housing preference. (2) For offspring under the age of 45, or those who are female, the intergenerational transmission of housing preferences from parents to their children is more pronounced. (3) Fertility intentions exhibit a resource dilution effect on the intergenerational transmission of housing preference. (4) The stronger the belief within a family that a child's future success depends on the family's economic status, the more likely it is to negatively influence the child's housing preferences. (5) Parents not only affect their children's consumption preferences regarding housing but also shape their attitudes towards borrowing for home purchases. This paper offers new insights into understanding household housing preference, and provides a foundation for government initiatives aimed at guiding households in rational asset allocation through social mechanisms.