Preferences for Rent Control: Between Political Geography and Political Economy

Abstract Following geographically concentrated changes in housing markets, real estate prices have skyrocketed many cities and metropolitan areas across Germany. These developments not only shifted the macro-level distribution of asset wealth among homeowners but also resulted price spikes rental which turn intensified social economic risks renters. This preregistered study aims to provide a theoretical rationale for, first-time insights into, determinants individual preferences for rent control. It argues that policy are shaped by individuals’ geographic positions market. explores differences between renters considers how heterogeneity exposure burden costs—structured local rents disposable income—explains within group The results reveal precedence egotropic considerations over geotropic effects common market exposures. Homeowners oppose control far more strongly than do, whose support is primarily function income. Market rents, contrast, heighten low-income findings deepen our understanding politicization Germany advance important debates on political reactions markets.