Land Valuation in the Metaverse: Location Matters
49 Pages Posted: 1 Oct 2021 Last revised: 7 Mar 2022
Date Written: September 29, 2021
Abstract
We analyze locational preferences of investors in the metaverse. The setting allows us to compile a unique data set with parcel- and investor-specific observations. We find strong evidence that location matters even in a virtual world with negligible transportation costs. Locational preferences come in two distinct forms. Investors are willing to pay substantial premiums for (1) land in close proximity to popular landmarks, and (2), for parcels with more memorable addresses. Virtual land incorporates characteristics from real estate and domain name markets. We argue that these effects are primarily driven by commercial land use and visitor density expectations.
Keywords: Attention Economy, Blockchain, Location Choice, Metaverse, NFTs
JEL Classification: G41, M37, R14, R33, R41
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