Jr. Follain et Ca. Calhoun, CONSTRUCTING INDEXES OF THE PRICE OF MULTIFAMILY PROPERTIES USING THE1991 RESIDENTIAL FINANCE SURVEY, Journal of real estate finance and economics, 14(1-2), 1997, pp. 235-255
Indices of the price of constant-quality, owner-occupied single-family
housing are widely available and have been instrumental in learning a
bout the operations of the market for owner-occupied housing. Such is
not the case for multifamily rental housing. The purpose of this artic
le is to provide information about movements in the price of multifami
ly properties during the 1980s and early 1990s using the 1991 Resident
ial Finance Survey (RFS). Several conclusions are drawn from the devel
opment and analysis of indices of the price of multifamily housing for
the nation and four large states (California, Florida, New York, and
Texas). First, indices for the period 1983-1991 generate similar patte
rns among the various methods employed; furthermore, movements in the
index during the period 1983-1991 seem reasonable. Second, much region
al variation exists. Prices in Texas were particularly hard hit, falli
ng by over 25% in nominal terms between 1983 and 1991. Third, the impa
ct of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 does not appear to have been as drama
tic as some have suggested. Indeed, price declines do not show up in e
ither the 1986 or 1987 indices for the nation, California, or New York
.