The Impact of Land Property Rights on Rural-to-Urban Migration: Market Mechanisms and Government Mechanisms

Fuhan Yu

doi:10.54691/5akcfh61

Authors

Fuhan Yu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54691/5akcfh61

Keywords:

Land Property Rights, Rural Migration, Household Responsibility System, Land Expropriation Compensation, CHARLS.

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the relationship between China’s land tenure system and rural-to-urban migration. It distinguishes between two key scenarios: first, where land property rights are well protected (allowing for land leasing); and second, where land property rights are infringed upon (through government land expropriation with compensation). Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), this study employs regression models for empirical analysis. The results indicate that a higher rate of land leasing is associated with a stronger willingness to migrate, whereas government land expropriation compensation significantly suppresses migration. The findings suggest that strengthening land property rights protection can promote voluntary and stable rural-to-urban migration, while forced land acquisition may weaken migration incentives. The paper concludes with policy implications and directions for future research.

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