Is there a market for sustainable urbanism? A conjoint analysis of potential homebuyers in Israel

This study uses conjoint analysis to evaluate the preferences of prospective homebuyers in Israel for sustainable urban neighbourhoods. The results reveal that from the variables examined, neighbourhood form is the most important variable after price, and that hierarchical and disconnected neighbourhood form is generally preferred over an urban grid. Nevertheless, access to a neighbourhood park, shops and transit could make an urban grid-like neighbourhood more attractive to potential buyers. Moreover, the housing type most preferred by respondents is a 4–6 story apartment building and least preferred are the most prevalent in recent years − buildings over 14 stories. The outcomes of the consumer preference study replicate similar studies in developed countries that show a gap between the kind of neighbourhoods advocated by planners and researchers, and those favoured by potential buyers.