Modelling household residential search processes: Methodology and preliminary results of an original survey

A mail-back survey elicited revealed preference and stated preference data of residential search processes of households in the Greater Toronto Area. Comparison of the sample with 1991 Census data showed good representation of the mobile population. Analysis of the housing search descriptions of 293 households who moved between 1988 and 1998 revealed distinctions in search behaviour between renter and owner households, among various household types, and by search area urbanity. The behavioural premises of four search models presented are each found to have some validity, depending on the household type and the housing sub-market. The locations of key activity places are significant to most households in relocation decisions. Owner households face tighter housing supply constraints than renters and are more apt to continue searching in defined housing sub-markets. A reliable housing satisfaction measure and data describing neighbourhood characteristics are required for further modelling work.