Using Contingent-Pricing Analysis to Value Open Space and Its Duration at Residential Locations

Abstract

To estimate benefits from open space adjacent to residences, this paper blends contingent valuation and conjoint analysis within a housing market context. The resulting framework — “contingent-pricing analysis,” — represents the stated preference counterpart to hedonic-pricing analysis by asking individuals to state prices for hypothetical housing locations, which include an environmental amenity. Then, it asks individuals to state their willingness to pay for a better and longer lasting environmental amenity. As an advantage over hedonic-pricing analysis, it directly isolates willingness to pay. Results indicate that potentially short-lasting open space adds no value, while preserved open space adds $ 5,066 or 5% to housing value. (JEL R14, Q24)