The difficulties with this method, where for certain strata of owner-occupied dwellings an actual rent is missing, can probably be overcome in most cases by applying more sophisticated statistical methods, like regression techniques, or an extended version of the Dutch points system. Obviously this does not solve the problem in the extreme case of all dwellings being owner-occupied. As an objective assessment for such a case the user-cost method could be applied. Briefly, this consists of adding relevant cost items, like intermediate and capital consumption as well as some allowance for the net operating surplus, including the interest on mortgages.
