This course aims to provide students, regardless of whether they have a prior  background in economics, with the capacity to use economic and finance concepts to analyze housing and urban issues. At the end of this course, students should have: a good understanding of the basic determinants of the demand for and supply of housing and urban services, and the relevant factors that influence tenure choice; a good understanding of the principles of housing and urban finance, and the nature and role of mortgage instruments in the financing of home ownership; and an understanding of the reasons for government intervention in housing and urban finance, the forms of intervention, the principles of financing, and the practice and issues of housing and urban economics and finance in Hong Kong and other major cities. Students will develop their ability to apply economic theories to current issues in housing and urban studies, and to identify solutions to housing and urban problems through participating in the class exercises during the tutorials and discussions.

Students are required to pass BOTH the coursework assessment AND the examination before they can be awarded an overall passing grade of the course.