J Agric Med Community Health.  2024 Mar;49(1):59-70. 10.5393/JAMCH.2024.49.1.059.

Housing Transaction Prices and Depression Experience Rates According to Housing Types Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Lee K
• Kim Y
• Kim K

• KMID: 2562728
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5393/JAMCH.2024.49.1.059

Abstract

Objectives
This research analyzed and compared housing transaction prices and depression rates according to housing types before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
Data on housing transaction prices and depression rates from 2018 to 2022 in 25 districts of Seoul, South Korea, were utilized. Dummy variables were employed to account for potential confounders influencing the relationship between the variables. Statistical analysis was conducted using R, and the relationship between depression rates and housing transaction prices was examined through Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and panel data regression analysis.
Results
The results of OLS and one-way random effects models indicated a significant relationship between apartment (p<.05) and officetel (p<.001) transaction prices and depression. However, detached/semi-detached and row/townhouse transaction prices did not exhibit a significant relationship with depression.
Conclusion
It was observed that as apartment and officetel transaction prices increased in Seoul before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, depression rates also increased. Considering that changes in housing prices by housing type in South Korea may impact the mental health of local residents, it is deemed necessary to consider healthy housing and housing prices as comprehensive determinants of mental health.

Keyword

Housing type; Housing price; Depression experience rate; COVID-19