RESIDENTIAL LOCATION CHOICE BEHAVIOUR IN OXFORDSHIRE

The effect of transport impacts on residential location decisions was investigated in Oxfordshire. Land Registry data indicated that there are three-fold differences in house prices among the different areas of Oxfordshire. A review of the literature indicated that households make significant trade-offs between transportation services and other public service factors in evaluating potential residences, but that the role of both in determining where people choose to live is small compared with the socio-economic and demographic factors. This suggests that the potential of most available public policies for altering residential location demad may be limited. 360 questionnaires were distributed in Oxfordshire via estate agents and further volunteers were recruited through local media. 93 usable replies were received equally divided between men and women. 68% of respondents lived in households without children. 44% had moved to Oxfordshire in the previous two years and 56% were established residents. The average house price was higher for non-movers than for movers, with non-movers having acquired a high position in the housing hierarchy. The majority of non-movers lived in villages and the majority of movers lived in new estates. Journey times to work and the supermarket were higher for movers than for non-movers. Willingness-to-pay for certain attributes of a location was investigated. House price, travel time and cost to work were important factors influencing residential location choice. Low housing density, open space and ruarl areas were also preferred. School quality and noise levels were also important. Recent movers were likely to trade off increased travel time to work to achieve other desired location factors.

  • Corporate Authors:

    TRANSPORT STUDIES UNIT (TSU)

    11 BEVINGTON ROAD
    OXFORD,     OX2 6NB
  • Authors:
    • Pagliara, F
    • PRESTON, J
    • Kim, J-H
  • Publication Date: 2002-9

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: References;
  • Pagination: 17 p.
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00966418
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
  • Files: ITRD
  • Created Date: Dec 4 2003 12:00AM