Determinant attributes of a well-functioning market-based home-financing model in the MENA region :
General Material Designation
[Thesis]
First Statement of Responsibility
Husrieh, Mhd Abdulkader Izzat
Title Proper by Another Author
constraints and feasible development paths
.PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION, ETC
Name of Publisher, Distributor, etc.
Durham University
Date of Publication, Distribution, etc.
2017
DISSERTATION (THESIS) NOTE
Dissertation or thesis details and type of degree
D.B.A.
Body granting the degree
Durham University
Text preceding or following the note
2017
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
Determinants of a well-functioning market-based home-financing system for MENA Housing finance is a cross-cutting topic of major economic, social, and political significance. It enables middle-class households and other targeted people to turn need for housing into effective demand by extending finance to buy their homes. Housing finance in Middle East and North African (MENA) countries is underdeveloped compared with countries of a similar level of income and stage of development. Existing literature cites many causes for this underdevelopment, among which is path dependency and culture. The study aims to address the path dependency issue by identifying attributes of a well-functioning housing finance system with the objective of contributing to the design of housing finance systems in MENA countries. To fulfil its objectives, the study uses primary and secondary research. Using comparative case analysis, firstly, housing finance systems in nine developed and emerging economies were assessed. Secondly, housing finance supply in nine countries in MENA were evaluated using a framework of analysis developed as part of the research. By conducting a survey in three MENA countries, the study attempts to understand people in terms of beliefs and attitudes towards housing finance, and characteristics of demand for housing finance. The findings of the study demonstrate the pivotal role of governments, and the significant influence of private financial institutions in the evolution and performance of any HFS. MENA countries have a fragmented supply of housing finance rather than a system, mainly due to a performance gap of players, lack of diversity in products, and self-exclusion of people from housing finance. Generally, people prefer finance from friends and family members and lack proper understanding of Islamic finance in Muslim dominated population. In conclusion, transferability and development of a well-functioning market-based housing finance system necessitates adoption of right public policies; regulators who supervise and enable financial institutions. Product diversifications is crucial to tailor to the needs of consumers, while engaging people by spreading awareness and protecting consumers.