The Correlation among Immigrant Homeownership,Objective and Subjective Characteristics,and Civic Participation: New Evidence from the Israeli Experience

Abstract

The correlation between immigrant objective and subjective characteristics and the likelihood of achieving homeownership is tested empirically. Also, the article examines whether homeownership promotes civic participation and community involvement among immigrants. Observing a sample of immigrants who arrived in Israel between the years 1989 and 2004, it is found that a longer stay in the receiving country, living in proximity to other immigrants, being over 35 years old, holding a full-time job, earning above average income and being a single or divorced woman associate with greater likelihood of attaining homeownership. Moreover, it is found that the subjective notion of both respect for the receiving culture and proficiency in the language positively correlate with homeownership. Finally, it is found that the previous empirical findings, according to which native homeownership is tied to civic participation, extend to the immigrant population. Research findings may serve decision-makers in setting policies that advance homeownership among immigrant populations.