Consumer preferences for rural residences: A conjoint analysis in Ontario, Canada

Conjoint measurement is introduced as an appropriate method for characterising the nature of consumer preferences for various types of rural residence. After a review of the major conceptual and technical issues in conjoint analysis, a study involving twenty-two potential homebuyers in southern Ontario is described. The results indicate that potential buyers are seeking privacy (medium-size or large lots in isolated locations) above all other things, which translates into a behavioural push for sprawling, low-density development. Further examination of the utilities attached to the various attributes of potential residences suggests a limited but real opportunity for the use of controls on lot and house size and on municipal service provision to increase the attractiveness of high-density, village locations to consumers.