International Journal of Sustainable Real Estate and Construction Economics (4 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Correlation research design between household loans and housing prices in South Korea  
  by Donghun Yoon 
  Abstract: In this paper, a strategic research to solve the mega bubble phenomenon of the real estate market in South Korea is presented. The bubble phenomenon in South Korea’s real estate market is unraveling a very difficult economic and social situation. The causes of the bubble phenomenon are analyzed and policy improvement plans are proposed. we conducted a correlation analysis of the current status of household loans and housing prices for an accurate evaluation of the bubble phenomenon in South Korea’s real estate market. Household loans and housing prices in South Korea are found to be correlated. We attempted to study active and effective improvement measures for stabilizing the real estate market and revitalizing South Korea’s economy. Through the policy research, this study attempted to present policy measures to stabilize the real estate market, policy measures to improve the residential environment at the national level, policy measures to secure the soundness of the real estate market and policy measures to revitalize the economy.
  Keywords: South Korea; mega bubble phenomenon; real estate market; economic policy; stabilization; property.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSRECE.2025.10070697
   
  
• A short note on the application of blockchain in real estate  
  by Vinicius Amorim Sobreiro 
  Abstract: Blockchain or Distributed Ledger Technology technology has been widely discussed in the real estate sector, particularly in academic literature. As highlighted by Saari and Jussi Vimpari (2022), although the real estate sector can benefit significantly from this technology, its practical implementation still faces several challenges. Considering this, the present short note proposes a conceptual model for the application of block chain technology in the management of financial guarantees in real estate transactions. The proposal is based on the use of smart contracts, aiming to reduce costs and increase operational security, while eliminating the need for financial intermediaries with regard to the financial guarantees involved in the operation.
  Keywords: realestate; distributed ledger technology; blockchain; smart contract; financial guarantees; application.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSRECE.2026.10075654
   
  
• Shockwaves of a trade war: tracing the USA-China impact on Taiwans housing market through ARDL analysis  
  by Hong-Jhong Cheng, Chih-Hsin Tsai, Chien-Wen Leng, Yu-Hsuan Cheng, Ping-Hung Chen 
  Abstract: This study analyses housing price dynamics in Taiwan during the USA-China trade war period from 2018Q1 to 2025Q3 using an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) framework. Emphasis is placed on trade-related external shocks arising from shifting USA-China economic relations and their transmission through Taiwans bilateral trade links. The results indicate that Taiwans housing prices react primarily to short-run trade disturbances rather than domestic macroeconomic fundamentals. China-Taiwan trade exerts a strong contemporaneous effect, while USA-Taiwan trade influences housing prices with a lag, reflecting indirect trade diversion and capital flow channels. In contrast, gross domestic product (GDP), interest rates, and stock market variables show limited explanatory power. ARDL bounds testing with bootstrapped critical values finds no evidence of long-run cointegration, and the significant error-correction term reflects short-run adjustment without a stable long-term equilibrium. Overall, the findings suggest that Taiwans housing market has functioned as a passive absorber of trade-war shocks rather than a domestically anchored market.
  Keywords: housing prices; USA-China trade war; spillover effect; ARDL; autoregressive distributed lag; bootstrapped critical values.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSRECE.2026.10078948
   
  
• Cost-effective concrete using superplasticiser and partial replacement of crushed stone with brick chips  
  by Mushtaq Ahmed, Md. Minhazul Ahsan Nibir, Md. Sojib Sorker, H.M.A. Mahzuz 
  Abstract: This study examines the feasibility of producing cost-effective and lightweight concrete through partial replacement of crushed stone aggregate with brick chip aggregate (BCA) and the use of a polycarboxylic ether (PCE) based superplasticiser (SP). Ten concrete mixes were prepared with a fixed mix proportion of 1 : 1.5 : 2.5 and a constant watercement ratio of 0.49. In modified mixes, 25% of crushed stone was replaced by brick chips, while SP dosages of 0.41.0% (by weight of cement) were used to achieve 20% and 25% water-reduction efficacy with proportional cement reduction. Fresh and hardened properties were evaluated following ASTM standards. Results indicate that brick chip incorporation reduced workability, which was effectively recovered with increasing SP dosage. The mix with 25% BCA and 0.6% SP at 20% efficacy achieved a 28-day compressive strength of 30.63 MPa, exceeding the control mix. Material cost and unit weight were reduced by approximately 9% and 4%, respectively.
  Keywords: superplasticiser; brick chips; cement reduction; cost-effective; weight reduction.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSRECE.2026.10079082