Homeownership and life stability of expatriates in Hong Kong : a grounded theory analysis

Abstract

Homeownership is an important life milestone for most people and it can be an even greater milestone for expatriates who live outside of their home countries. This research focuses on understanding the significance of this topic by tracking and analysing the life trajectories of homeowner expatriates starting from when they first arrive in the destination country. More specifically, this dissertation investigates how living in a rented home and a self-owned home (types of housing tenure) relates to various aspects of their emotional subjective well-being. The expatriates studied in this research come from different parts of the world from various backgrounds and are all found in Hong Kong, one of the most expatriate-heavy metropoles in Asia and globally. This study applies the methodology of Grounded Theory; data has been collected from a spectrum of circumstances and an iterative process of comparison and analysis has been conducted to conceptualize a theory on the life stability of expatriates. Research participants are current homeowners and expatriates who have lived in rented properties in Hong Kong. Most expatriates arrive in their destination country without a house of their own. The life stability theory of expatriates elaborates on the significance of life stability in pursuing happiness and emotional subjective well-being, and how homeownership is a critical element in the life stability for expatriates. This theory applies to relatively high-income immigrants defined as expatriates in this study, differentiating itself with existing related research on housing is focused on low-income immigrants. Based on true life stories of expatriates in Hong Kong, this study aims to share a unique perspective and philosophy on the topic of homeownership of expatriates and how it relates to their life stability and emotional subjective well-being.