Caste, Faith, Gender: Determinants of Homeownership in Urban India

Abstract

Analyzing a large dataset of urban non-slum households, we find that homeownership tenure choice in India is significantly associated with gender, religion and caste. In particular, large households or those headed by women or with larger number of women are significantly more inclined towards homeownership than households of otherwise similar characteristics. Salaried households are the least and self-employed households the most likely to be homeowners. Compared to Hindus, Muslims show significantly lower while other minority religions (Sikhs, Buddhists and Jain combined) show significantly higher propensity towards homeownership after controlling for other factors. Castes which have been victims of discrimination show significantly higher propensity towards homeownership. The propensity towards homeownership in discriminated class households significantly increases when endowed with esteem or affluence.