A housing allocation algorithm for policy impact analysis

Abstract

An algorithm designed to simulate the behavior of households while they compete for housing is described. The algorithm accepts as inputs an existing housing state, a new household demand for dwellings and a new supply of dwellings. The acquisition of these available dwellings by the homeless households is simulated producing a new housing state, modified dwelling costs and measures of household dissatisfaction and dwelling shortages. The algorithm is defined using the Algol 60 language and preliminary parameter sensitivity results are presented.