Author: Gabriel Ahlfeldt / Topic: Economics

Author:: Gabriel Ahlfeldt, Wolfgang Maennig, and Felix J. Richter
Publication Date:: 06-2017
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Chair for Economic Policy, University of Hamburg
Abstract:: While urban renewal programs have become widely used policy measures to target urban development less is known about the reasons why certain areas are more responsive to policy interventions than others. With this study we address some of these issues by analyzing an urban renewal program in Berlin, Germany, with 22 designated renewal zones between 1990 and 2012. We separately estimate the effects of the renewal policy on property prices for each respective redevelopment area by comparing price developments in these areas to a series of runner-up areas and to geographically close transactions. We find a considerable amount of heterogeneity. While some areas profit form the renewal policies, there are several areas which develop quite differently and end up with a decrease in property prices due to the urban renewal policy.
Topic:: Economics, Urban, Economic Development, and Property
Political Geography:: Germany

Author:: Gabriel Ahlfeldt, Wolfgang Maennig, and Felix J. Richter
Publication Date:: 11-2013
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Chair for Economic Policy, University of Hamburg
Abstract:: Urban renewal areas are popular but empirically understudied spatial planning instruments designed to prevent urban decline and induce renewal. We use a quasi-experimental research design to study the effects of 22 renewal areas implemented in Berlin, Germany, to increase housing and living quality in the aftermath of the city’s division during the Cold War period. Our results suggest that the policy has helped reduce (increase) the number of buildings in poor (good) condition by 25% (10%). Property prices increased at an annual rate of 0.4-1.7% according to our preferred estimates. Evidence is weak at best, however, for positive housing externalities. More generally, our findings indicate that the efficiency of program evaluations for place based -policies using quasi-experimental methods increases with the number of targeted areas and areas that provide the counterfactual.
Topic:: Economics, Urban, Property, Revitalization, and Redevelopment
Political Geography:: Europe and Germany

Author:: Gabriel Ahlfeldt and Wolfgang Maennig
Publication Date:: 06-2009
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Chair for Economic Policy, University of Hamburg
Abstract:: Non-smoking ordinances are among the most popular albeit controversial public health-care legislations worldwide. This article provides an empirical assessment of the impact of non-smoking ordinances on bar and restaurant revenues in German Federal States. By application of panel spline regression and difference-in-difference strategies, we find negative impact limited to bars in the very short run. If any, there is a positive impact on total expenditures in the long run, indicating that either consumption pattern has not changed at all or that any reduction in spending by smokers is compensated for by a corresponding increase by non-smokers. These findings support the German – and similar – non-smoking legislations in the sense that positive externalities resulting from reduced health care cost are likely to outweigh the risk to businesses in the hospitality sector, at least in the long run.
Topic:: Economics, Public Health, and Revenue
Political Geography:: Europe and Germany

Author:: Gabriel Ahlfeldt and Wolfgang Maennig
Publication Date:: 04-2008
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Chair for Economic Policy, University of Hamburg
Abstract:: This paper analyses the impact of heritage-listed buildings on condominium transaction prices in Berlin, Germany. We use transaction data to test for price differentials between listed and nonlisted properties and to study their impact on surrounding property prices. Proximity to built heritage is captured by distance to listed houses and indicators capturing neighborhoods with built heritage. Impact is assessed by applying a hedonic model to micro-level data and a non-parametric approach to location. While our findings suggest that listed properties do not sell at a premium or discount, heritage-listed buildings are found to have positive external effects on surrounding property prices.
Topic:: Economics, Culture, Heritage, and Real Estate
Political Geography:: Europe, Germany, and Berlin

Author:: Gabriel Ahlfeldt and Wolfgang Maennig
Publication Date:: 05-2007
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Chair for Economic Policy, University of Hamburg
Abstract:: This paper investigates socioeconomic impacts of three multifunctional sports arenas situated in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg, Germany. The three arenas were chosen for their potential to contribute to revitalisation of their economically deprived neighbourhoods. We employ a difference-in-differences approach to check for structural breaks in development of land values within areas of potential impact. Our results suggest that arenas emanate positive externalities and apparently have accelerated the process of gentrification going on in Prenzlauer Berg. However, evidence also supports concerns that congestion problems may adversely affect property values, at least when not addressed appropriately during planning.
Topic:: Economics, Architecture, Gentrification, and Stadiums
Political Geography:: Europe, Germany, and Berlin

Author:: Gabriel Ahlfeldt and Wolfgang Maennig
Publication Date:: 01-2007
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Chair for Economic Policy, University of Hamburg
Abstract:: This paper develops a hedonic price model explaining standard land values in Berlin. The model assesses the impact of three multifunc-tional sports arenas situated in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg which were de-signed to improve the attractiveness of their formerly deprived neighbourhoods. Empirical results confirm expectations about the impact of various attributes on land values. Sports arenas have significant positive impacts within a radius of about 3000 meters. The patterns of impact vary, in-dicating that the effective impact depends on how planning authorities address potential countervailing negative externalities.
Topic:: Economics, Sports, and Land
Political Geography:: Europe, Germany, and Berlin

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