This paper, derived within a general equilibrium framework, demonstrates th
at housing price can be explicitly expressed as a combination of an exponen
tial and linear function of housing rental. This model provides an explanat
ion as to why housing appreciation may not match inflation in the long-run
steady state. We show that only under a very particular set of conditions,
will housing prices grow at a rate greater than the inflation rate. Evidenc
e from the Hong Kong housing market supports the predictions of theory. Our
model indicates that the housing market will be in the long-run steady sta
te when the rent-value ratio is equal to the net discount rate.