Causality in spatial economic analysis: with reference to the London Green Belt and house prices
Abstract
This paper illustrates possibilities and pitfalls of two different approaches to causal analysis, the Rubin causal framework (RCF) and spatial econometrics, namely the spatial Durbin model (SDM). The two are directly opposing, for unlike the RCF, spatial interaction is embodied within the SDM. The main innovatory aspects are an attempt to reconcile RCF and SDM via ATIVE, meaning the average treatment instrumental variable effect, which parallels the average treatment effect (ATE) based on regression adjustment (RA). Additionally the paper illustrates the efficacy of using synthetic instrumental variables, providing estimates of the impact of London’s Green Belt on house prices.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Regional Economics and Spatial Analysis
Spatial and Panel Data Analysis
Housing Market and Economics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Spatial Economic Analysis
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 21
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 110–127
- Publication date
- 2 January 2026
- Language
- EN