4_Monocentric Model: Housing Developers Flashcards
(81 cards)
What does locational equilibrium imply about people’s utility?
People must receive the same utility at all locations, meaning they are indifferent between different locations.
How does housing price vary with distance from the central business district (CBD)?
Housing prices must be higher near the CBD in equilibrium.
Why do housing prices work with commuting costs in locational equilibrium?
Higher housing prices balance commuting costs to keep people on the same indifference curve.
What equation represents the locational indifference condition?
𝑑𝑃(𝑥)/𝑑𝑥 = −𝑡ℎ(𝑥)
What does the slope of bid-rent function represent?
It represents the rate at which rent decreases as distance from the CBD increases.
What two factors influence rent changes with distance?
Commuting costs (𝑡) and housing consumption (ℎ(𝑥)).
How do economists incorporate the cost of commuting into bid-rent?
They include both the pecuniary cost (bus fare, gas) and the time cost of commuting.
How do economists value time spent commuting?
They equate the opportunity cost of time with the hourly wage.
Why must rents fall as distance from the CBD increases?
To compensate for the increased commuting costs and keep people indifferent across locations.
How does housing consumption change with distance from the CBD?
It increases as land prices decline.
How does non-housing consumption change with distance from the CBD?
It decreases as more income is spent on transportation.
What is the key trade-off in the monocentric city model?
A trade-off between commuting costs and housing costs.
What is the profit function for housing developers?
𝜋 = 𝑃ℎ(𝑥)ℎ(𝐾,𝐿) − 𝑝𝐾𝐾 − 𝑅(𝑥)L(𝑥)
How do developers determine the bid-rent function for land?
By solving for 𝑅(𝑥), which is given by: 𝑅(𝑥) = 𝑃ℎ(𝑥)ℎ(𝐾,𝐿) − 𝑝𝐾𝐾𝐿(𝑥)
Why don’t developers only build near the CBD?
If they all did, prices would increase, making it less profitable.
What happens to land rents in the suburbs compared to the central city?
Land rents are lower in the suburbs to compensate for lower revenues.
How do developers adjust their input use based on location?
In the city, developers use more capital and less land, while in the suburbs, they substitute toward more land.
Why are buildings taller in the city than in the suburbs?
High land prices in the city encourage developers to use more capital (taller buildings) instead of land.
How does population density compare between the city and suburbs?
The city has a higher population density due to more people per square foot.
What is the primary reason for higher density in central cities?
More capital-intensive development (taller buildings with smaller dwellings).
What is locational equilibrium?
A state where people receive the same utility at all locations, making them indifferent between different locations.
What must happen to housing prices near the Central Business District (CBD) in equilibrium?
They must be higher to compensate for lower commuting costs.
How do housing prices and commuting costs interact to maintain locational equilibrium?
Higher housing prices work with commuting costs to keep people on the same indifference curve.
What condition must hold for locational indifference?
The marginal benefit of a shorter commute must equal the marginal cost of higher rents.