An analysis of housing expenditure using semiparametric models and panel data

In this paper we model expenditure on housing for owners and renters by means of endogenous switching regression models for panel data. We explain the share of housing in total expenditure from a household specific effect, family characteristics, constant-quality prices, and total expenditure, where the latter is allowed to be endogenous. We consider both random and fixed effects panel data models. We compare estimates for the random effects model with estimates for the linear panel data model in which selection only enters through the fixed effects, and with estimates allowing for fixed effects and a more general type of selectivity. Differences appear to be substantial. The results imply that the random effects model as well as the linear panel data model are too restrictive. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved. JEL classification. C14; C33; R21.