Is there a relationship between oil prices and house price inflation?

Abstract: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate further whether oil price has an effect on house price inflation and additionally if it has a link to house price turning points. The methodology is grounded on the previous research paper made by Breitenfellner et al. (2015). The results are based on quarterly data from the countries; Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden through the time span of 1990-2018. A linear fixed regression model was performed including the explanatory variables of monetary policy and credit developments, macroeconomic fundamentals, housing market variable and demographic variables. Secondly, a logit model was used to identify a relationship between oil price and house price turning points. The model used misalignment made from GDP per capita and real interest rate. The empirical analysis confirms that there is a positive relationship between oil prices and house price inflation. This evidence contradicts a major share of previous research papers (see Bernanke, 2010; Kaufmann et al., 2011). However, there are also some previous papers (see Yiqi, (2017); Antonakakis et al., 2016) and theoretical linkages in line with a positive correlation. Concerning, the oil price and house price inflation no empirical significance was found regarding their relationship. For future research, one could include regional aspects for the purpose of controlling for geographical differences.