The hottest Housing policy Substack posts right now

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Why We Keep Voting On Rent Control

The Discourse Lounge • 683 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. California keeps voting on rent control measures like Prop 33 because there's ongoing controversy about how to handle rising rents and housing shortages. Many people believe rent control could help, even if it has limitations.
  2. Homeowners tend to oppose rent control measures, mainly because they believe it could hurt property values and lead to poorly maintained neighborhoods. As a result, these propositions often fail.
  3. There is a conflict between tenant rights groups and real estate interests, leading to confusing policies. Many think helping tenants won't succeed without addressing homeowners' concerns and the overall supply of housing.

Market Segmentation in Housing

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 210 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. Many low-rent apartments are disappearing, as more new buildings are made for high rents rather than affordable options. This means that people are paying more for the same places they used to afford.
  2. Market segmentation in housing is changing. When there's a shortage of affordable homes, families in lower-income units feel pressure to pay more or move, making it hard to find stable housing.
  3. To fix housing costs, building more high-rent apartments might actually help keep people in their current homes, instead of forcing them to downgrade to cheaper places. We need more options for everyone.

Streamlining Housing Permitting in Arizona

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 42 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. Arizona needs to simplify its housing permitting processes to build more homes faster. Doing this would help meet the growing demand for housing and keep prices more affordable.
  2. Many local governments in Arizona hinder the construction of new homes, especially multi-family units. This has contributed to rising home prices over the past decade.
  3. The challenges Arizona faces with housing development are similar to those in other areas. The solutions proposed for Arizona could be helpful for improving housing issues in many other places as well.

No, this isn't normal

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 463 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. Many people argue that housing costs have always been high, but this isn't accurate. In the past, housing prices were much more stable compared to the rapid increases we've seen in the last few decades.
  2. High housing costs today are not just due to demand. There's a complex web of factors that includes limited housing supply and economic changes, which makes it harder for people, especially those with lower incomes, to afford homes.
  3. The impact of rising rent prices isn't felt equally. While wealthier areas may see rents that align with income growth, poorer communities face much higher rent increases, making it challenging for families to maintain their living situations.

Top Links 576 Social exclusion in the US mortgage market. Elon's regulatory issues. Will Trump trigger chaos in the Balkans? Historical Vistas on Sri Lanka’s 2022 People’s Uprising

Chartbook • 472 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. Many Americans can't buy homes because of low credit scores. The bottom third of people really struggle to get mortgages.
  2. There are concerns about how recent actions by Elon Musk might affect regulations in his businesses. People are watching closely for any changes.
  3. The political situation with Trump could cause serious problems in the Balkans. It's a situation that needs attention due to its potential impact.
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Follow Up to Legislating Mass Evictions

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 168 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. A new bill could force big landlords to sell homes to families, which might lead to many renters getting evicted. This could create a lot of problems for vulnerable families.
  2. If the bill passes, it might change who can rent homes and how much families have to pay. This could mean fewer families could afford to live in good homes.
  3. The idea of forcing landlords to sell to families is seen as unfair by many people. It suggests that some buyers are better than others, which could lead to more conflict in housing markets.

NEW EVENT: How the YIMBYs won

Odds and Ends of History • 335 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. The YIMBY movement focuses on making housing more affordable and accessible, which has gained attention in British politics. It's about saying 'Yes In My Back Yard' to new housing developments.
  2. Over time, the YIMBY movement has shifted the political conversation in Westminster, making housing a key issue that politicians now care about. Even high-level politicians, like the Prime Minister, are aligning with this movement.
  3. There will be a live event where Anya Martin, a key figure in the YIMBY movement, will discuss how it changed the political landscape and how they managed to win the housing debate.

Follow-Up to My Investor Ban Rant

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 295 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. Banning large investors from buying homes might make the housing crisis worse. We really need more homes for rent, and investors are key to that.
  2. Homeowners tend to outbid investors for homes, leading to fewer rentals available. This is driving up rents because there just aren't enough homes to go around.
  3. If lawmakers seriously limit investor ownership, they need to think about how that will affect renters. Fewer rental homes may mean higher rents for everyone.

NIMBYs, NIMBYs, Everywhere...

Bet On It • 306 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. NIMBYs, or 'Not In My BackYard' people, can greatly influence local construction rules. They often share small complaints that add up and make building new homes really difficult.
  2. Despite a lack of major anti-construction groups, local complaints still weigh heavily on housing availability. Many areas struggle to build new homes, making prices go up for everyone.
  3. Some suggest moving authority over housing regulations to regional or national levels, but there are worries that this could cause more issues or attract stronger NIMBY opposition.

Cuomo is the candidate of NIMBYs and developers. What gives?

Urben Field Notes • 135 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. In New York City's mayoral race, the candidates are showing strange alliances, with some supporting both NIMBY homeowners and developers. This shows how housing issues don't fit neatly into political boxes.
  2. Cuomo has gained support from both sides by promising to protect certain neighborhoods while also getting backing from big developers. This reflects the ongoing struggle in housing politics that often benefits established interests over new ideas.
  3. Many candidates are pushing for more balanced housing policies that would allow development across a wider range of neighborhoods. However, real change will require serious planning and effort to create affordable housing options.

Long-Term Trends in Homes and Households

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 105 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. The housing market is facing a demand for new homes estimated between 15 to 20 million units to return to previous trends. This means we need to build more homes each year to keep up with the demand.
  2. Vacancy rates are a key indicator of the housing market's health, showing how many homes are currently empty. An increase in vacancies suggests changes in how many homes we have available compared to the number of people needing them.
  3. As more rental units are being built, the homeownership rate is decreasing. This trend may lead to more discussions about who is buying homes and whether we should limit rental housing to help families become homeowners.

He Zohran, He Zohwon and Now We Must Fight

Exasperated Infrastructures • 21 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. Remake City Hall and diffuse power so decisions are collaborative and hard for capital interests to undo. Build participatory, block-level governance and align land use and transportation across the city.
  2. Treat the huge, tax-reliant budget honestly: publicly inventory revenues and spending, plan for possible austerity, and reallocate investments to drive affordability without hiding tradeoffs.
  3. Pursue practical, people-first tactics: deliver easy wins like bus and protected bike lanes, use data equitably instead of technocratically, and be willing to fight entrenched interests to protect working‑class outcomes.

Expensive Cities Aren't Attractive Cities: I swear, the last post

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 295 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. Cities that are expensive to live in often push out lower-income residents. This leads to a loss of diversity and change in community dynamics.
  2. The income levels in these cities can be misleading. Much of the high income averages come from the remaining, more affluent residents after the poorer ones leave.
  3. Simply being a popular or thriving city doesn't guarantee economic excellence. Many such cities suffer from issues that make them less appealing for all residents.

Follow Up: Market Segmentation in Housing

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 105 implied HN points • 03 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. Texas and Maine are pushing for new housing reforms that support urban development. This aims to make housing more accessible and tackle current shortages.
  2. California is making big changes to its housing laws that could allow for more building near public transit. This might help lower housing costs and increase availability.
  3. While recent laws in California are hopeful, they also introduce fees that could make building new homes more expensive. This could complicate efforts to increase affordable housing.

Expensive Cities Aren't Attractive Cities: Follow Up

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 273 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. Expensive cities are usually not as desirable as people think. They often have high rents and limited growth due to strict building rules.
  2. Increasing the number of homes over time can help lower housing costs, but this process takes years and won't cause quick drops in prices.
  3. Arguments against the YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement often rely on unproven claims. In reality, cities that allow more development can remain affordable and vibrant.

In Defense of Inclusionary Zoning

Urben Field Notes • 70 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. Inclusionary zoning can help create affordable housing by requiring developers to set aside some units for lower-income residents. When done right, it can work alongside overall housing production.
  2. A well-designed inclusionary zoning policy should account for local market conditions and be flexible to ensure it's effective. Poorly designed policies can actually hurt housing availability.
  3. Successful examples of inclusionary zoning exist in cities like New York and Montgomery County, where the focus is on integrating affordable units into desirable areas, helping to increase diversity and community support.

Are California’s environmental reforms a model for the ‘Abundance Agenda?’

Urben Field Notes • 91 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. California is focusing on housing and advanced manufacturing with its new environmental reforms. This shows a different way of governing that prioritizes specific goals over a wide range of interests.
  2. The reforms include exemptions for building new housing without stringent environmental reviews. This aims to make housing more affordable while also helping the environment by promoting denser living areas.
  3. However, some worry that the reforms might harm environmental protections. Balancing housing needs with environmental care remains a challenge as leaders push for change.

Economists and Price/Rent Ratios

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 189 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
💰 Finance Housing policy
  1. Most economists think that price/rent ratios should stay the same over time. But actually, changes in rents are what mostly drive these ratios.
  2. A big reason the housing market is often misunderstood is because economists don’t factor in how much access to mortgages has changed since 2008.
  3. Rents have been rising faster than other costs, which affects home prices. This key point is often overlooked, meaning many people are missing out on important trading opportunities.

Can Jeremy Corbyn save HS3?

Odds and Ends of History • 67 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. Jeremy Corbyn and Zara Sultana are starting a new political party focused on housing and energy issues. They want to address the concerns of the populist left.
  2. The podcast discusses two housing projects in Peckham and Edgware, showing how affordable housing influences community decisions.
  3. Former nuclear minister Philip Hunt shares insights on energy projects like Sizewell C and the need for Britain's energy future.

The Midwest Tragedy: Canton

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 168 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. The Midwest, especially cities like Canton, has been greatly affected by housing market policies since 2008. Many areas still struggle due to lack of affordable homes and stagnant population growth.
  2. Even with some recent construction in places like Canton, there is still a significant shortage of housing. Local governments often react negatively to changes, which complicates the situation.
  3. Housing issues are not just local but affect wider regions like the Northeast. Poor housing policies can lead to long-term suffering for communities and create a cycle that's hard to break.

Households and Houses

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 168 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. There's a big housing shortage in the U.S., with millions of homes missing compared to the number of households that want them. This means many people can't find decent places to live.
  2. Most new building has focused on single-family homes, but there's a growing need for more apartments. Many cities have rules that make it hard to build these apartments, which worsens the housing situation.
  3. To fix the housing problem, we can either try to stop investment in single-family home rentals or change the laws to build more apartments. Making it easier to build apartments is a better choice for everyone.

When we lost our minds: Pt.1 Overview

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 189 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
💰 Finance Housing policy
  1. Many people believe the 2008 financial crisis was inevitable, but this oversimplifies what really happened. It's important to question how we understand the events leading up to the crisis.
  2. High home prices and rental costs are more about limited housing supply than just low interest rates. Building more homes could help address these issues.
  3. Experts often misunderstood the role of foreign capital and how it influenced the US economy. Rather than viewing borrowing negatively, it can be a way to invest in growth.

No, Rent Management Software Didn't Make Phoenix Expensive

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 147 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. The high rent prices in Arizona aren't caused by rental management software. There's a belief that the software is to blame, but that's not the real reason.
  2. A real cartel would limit production intentionally to raise prices, but landlords are actually trying to build more apartments.
  3. Local factors and regulations can stop new apartment projects from happening, which might be a bigger issue affecting rents.

National Housing Crisis Task Force

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 210 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. A new group called the National Housing Crisis Task Force is working hard on solutions for the housing crisis. They recently released a detailed report with many helpful policy ideas.
  2. One key suggestion is to review mortgage underwriting rules to help more people buy homes again. This change could lead to the construction of more starter homes for first-time buyers.
  3. The report does not blame corporate investors for rising costs, focusing instead on practical solutions. It emphasizes the importance of safe lending and educating new homeowners.

San Francisco grows up and slims down

Urben Field Notes • 189 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Housing policy
  1. San Francisco is changing its building rules, allowing taller, skinnier apartment buildings. This is a big shift in how the city builds new homes.
  2. The new buildings will replace old, less useful structures, helping neighborhoods grow without destroying local history. They also offer space for small shops, making the area more vibrant.
  3. A new law is making it quicker to approve housing projects, which could lead to more of these new developments actually being built. This opens up opportunities for people to find homes in the city.

The Housing Shortage by Metro Area, Part 3

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 189 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. Many cities have the ability to build more homes. This could help solve the housing shortage that many areas are facing right now.
  2. Some regions struggle with local rules that make it hard to build new homes, while others have been affected by tight mortgage lending practices.
  3. The Midwest has been particularly hit by the lack of new housing construction, even with growing demand, mainly due to mortgage issues from the last decade.

The Housing Shortage by Metro Area, Part 2

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 189 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. There's a significant housing shortage in many metro areas, estimated to be about 10% of the total housing stock nationwide. This means many places don't have enough homes for everyone who wants to live there.
  2. The housing shortage has changed over time, often depending on local conditions and policies. Some areas had bigger shortages in the past due to population movement and construction slowdowns.
  3. When housing production drops, it usually leads to people moving away from cities with limited homes. This creates a cycle where demand keeps rising, but construction can't keep up, leading to more shortages.

Every Housing Down Cycle is "unhappy in its own way"

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
💰 Finance Housing policy
  1. Every housing downturn has its own unique challenges. Just like unhappy families, each downturn has different reasons why it's tough.
  2. It's important to avoid comparing today's housing market with the past bubble and bust. The lending standards today are much stricter, making a big difference.
  3. Demographics play a big role in the housing market. Today, we're seeing a slower population growth compared to the early 80s, which affects house prices differently.

Canton Follow-Up Post

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 126 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. Canton is facing a serious housing issue, with a big decline in new single-family homes being built. This drop is linked to strict zoning laws that make it difficult for families to create more housing options.
  2. Rents in Canton have grown faster than inflation, which is making it hard for residents. Even though buying a home could be cheaper than renting, many people can't get mortgages due to those same zoning restrictions.
  3. The U.S. has a widespread housing crisis, not just in wealthy areas like New York City but everywhere. If cities make it easier to build new homes, they could become more affordable again.

Phoenix Screenings of "Fault Lines" Documentary

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 126 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. There will be two screenings of the documentary 'Fault Lines' in the Phoenix area, focused on the housing crisis. It's a chance to learn more about this important topic.
  2. The documentary is praised for being accurate and avoiding common myths about housing economics. It's recommended for anyone interested in the housing situation.
  3. After the first screening, there will be a discussion panel. It's a good opportunity to engage with the topic and ask questions.

Links to Consider, 10/23/2024

In My Tribe • 182 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. American politics has been stuck in a deadlock because both parties are close in power, leading to constant fighting for control. This makes elections contentious and the political environment very tense.
  2. Public-private partnerships can lead to problems like corruption and a focus on global interests over national ones. This disconnect can happen when these partnerships are not accountable to the public.
  3. In India, excessive regulations and government control hinder economic growth and worsen poverty. Many people work informally because the rules are so strict that it limits job opportunities.

Credit Where Credit Is Due: Nashville & Charlotte!

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 105 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. Nashville has a unique housing law that helps build affordable starter homes, making it a great place for newcomers. It's important to look at different regions when discussing housing costs.
  2. Charlotte also deserves recognition for managing housing prices better than expected. It's not just the well-known cities that have good housing policies.
  3. Overall, housing costs have risen in Nashville, Charlotte, and Austin over the years, but these cities still have relatively better conditions compared to others. Keeping an eye on varied areas can provide a fuller picture of the housing market.

Rent inflation since Covid

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 126 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. Rent prices have risen significantly since Covid, especially in areas with low housing supply. This has caused many families to struggle with housing costs.
  2. After a temporary shift in housing demand during the pandemic, some families moved away from expensive urban areas. However, this has led to rising rents in previously cheaper neighborhoods.
  3. Currently, rent inflation seems to be moderating, which is good news for families. If housing construction continues to grow, it could help families afford better living situations.

Expensive Cities Aren't Attractive Cities: One Last Word

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 105 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. Expensive cities aren't necessarily better places to live. They often face issues like high housing costs and displacement of lower-income residents.
  2. Geographic inequality is a big problem, with only a few cities offering better opportunities and amenities. Many other cities have the potential to be great but aren't being developed.
  3. To make cities better, we need to focus on building affordable and accessible spaces rather than just following trends of what is currently expensive.

Rent trends and multi-family construction

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 84 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💰 Finance Housing policy
  1. The rent trends in different cities show that Austin is currently performing the best among metro areas in Texas.
  2. When looking at rental prices, it's important to consider whether changes are due to short-term demand shifts or local supply issues.
  3. The Erdmann Housing Tracker provides insights into multi-family construction, which can help understanding the housing market better.

Is housing popular? Does it matter?

California Thoughts • 58 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. Pro-housing policies face challenges in local elections due to perceived negative impacts on communities
  2. Statewide pro-housing legislation has seen success in California by focusing on technical housing laws
  3. Issue salience and status quo bias play a role in the acceptance of pro-housing policies at local and state levels

Berkeley's Upzoning Would Be Among Nation's Largest

The Discourse Lounge • 204 HN points • 17 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. Berkeley is considering a zoning reform that would allow for over 100,000 additional homes, making it one of the largest zoning changes in the U.S. per capita.
  2. The city's historical use of exclusionary zoning kept out non-rich and minority residents but is now facing a significant shift to allow for 'Missing Middle' housing.
  3. Proposed changes aim to remove density limits, increase affordable housing options, consider fire safety, and encourage alternative transportation methods like cycling and public transit.

The Housing Shortage by Metro Area, Part 4

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 84 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. There is a housing shortage, which means there are not enough homes available for people who need them. This shortage can lead to high prices and long waiting lists for affordable housing.
  2. When rent control is put in place, it may help some tenants afford their homes but can also lead to declining quality of living conditions. Property owners often stop maintaining their properties, which can create additional problems.
  3. Access to mortgage loans is important for homebuyers. If people can't get loans to buy homes, it reduces the amount of housing being supplied in the market, contributing to the overall shortage of available homes.

The Housing Shortage by Metro Area

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 84 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing policy
  1. There's a big housing shortage in many cities, meaning not enough homes are available for everyone who needs one. Building homes could help to lower rising rents and prices.
  2. The real estate market is affected by restrictions on building new homes. If these rules were eased, more homes could be built, which would make housing more affordable.
  3. Investing in new housing could change a lot financially. It could lower the overall value of land but make living situations better for many people, even if it seems risky at first.