The hottest Housing Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Migration, Housing, and Beyond

Bet On It • 155 implied HN points • 07 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing
  1. Combining strict housing rules with high immigration leads to higher housing prices. Instead of seeing this as a problem, it should be viewed as a chance to build more housing.
  2. High demand for housing, whether from immigrants or tourists, is a good thing. It creates opportunities for everyone involved, benefiting both new arrivals and local residents.
  3. There are many positive effects of building more housing, such as increased job opportunities and social interactions. These benefits often outweigh any negative impacts.

S.F.’s Marina District towers are bad, actually

Urben Field Notes • 27 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing
  1. A developer used the State Density Bonus and a zoning loophole to propose a 25‑story tower on a site zoned for four stories, effectively letting builders waive height and bulk limits and defeating the point of zoning.
  2. Density bonuses should be tied to clear, objective height rules — for example a percentage above the zoned height or an absolute cap like double the allowed height — so bonuses increase homes without obliterating predictable zoning.
  3. Cities do need more housing, but growth should be guided by context: protect iconic waterfronts and steer taller buildings to transit-rich corridors so planning and public shape of the city still matter.

Housing Roundup #6

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1478 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
💰 Finance Housing
  1. The listings will continue until people can afford houses in places they want to live.
  2. Housing costs are rising, but homeownership rates have not drastically declined.
  3. Building more houses where people want to live is crucial for lowering housing costs and increasing supply.

Make Office Buildings Fun Again

The New Urban Order • 279 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
💼 Business Housing
  1. Converting office buildings into co-living spaces can help address social challenges like loneliness and offer more housing options.
  2. Co-living is a shared living model that emphasizes intentional community through communal spaces and activities.
  3. Co-living has the potential to be a source of affordable housing, cater to different demographics like seniors and digital nomads, and could be aligned with co-working spaces for a more integrated urban living experience.

The Case For and Against California Forever

The New Urban Order • 139 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Housing
  1. California Forever aims to address California's housing crisis by offering a new city with up to 400,000 residents and 160,000 dwelling units.
  2. Critics argue that California Forever's development threatens natural resources, increases wildfire risk, and diverts attention and resources from existing infrastructure improvements.
  3. The project prompts debate on the balance between housing expansion and environmental impact, as well as the effectiveness of starting a new city versus revitalizing existing communities.
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House Prices to Income

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 47 implied HN points • 04 Nov 25
💰 Finance Housing
  1. House prices compared to incomes are important to track, but income data often comes out late and can be misleading. It's tricky to decide which income figures to use for accurate comparisons.
  2. The median household income increased to $83,730 in 2024, showing growth from the previous year. This change can affect how we view housing affordability.
  3. Currently, house prices are still high compared to historical averages, which means buying a home might be more expensive than usual. They're not far from the peaks seen during the housing bubble.

Towards a Broader, Bolder HUD

The New Urban Order • 119 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing
  1. HUD's current role is limited, focusing mainly on providing subsidies to low-income renters in big cities, missing out on addressing broader housing market issues.
  2. HUD could enhance its role by coordinating research, encouraging regional cooperation among housing authorities, and providing more guidance and support to local governments.
  3. HUD should prioritize assembling and disseminating real-time housing market data to improve housing policy, address the housing crisis, and provide better insights for decision-making.

Slack and Capacity in Housing

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 126 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
💰 Finance Housing
  1. Housing construction is limited by supply issues, not just high interest rates. This means more homes can still be built despite financial challenges.
  2. Data and analysis can help understand the constraints in each housing market. Tracking these factors shows the real obstacles to construction.
  3. It's important to recognize the various factors causing delays or difficulties in housing development. Understanding these can help address the housing shortage problem.

November 2025 Erdmann Housing Tracker

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 21 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
💰 Finance Housing
  1. Multiple inflation measures — shelter CPI (which is lagged), Zillow’s rent estimate, core CPI, goods, and services — are all converging toward about 2%.
  2. Rent inflation functions largely as a transfer rather than a production cost, so it probably shouldn’t drive monetary policy and could be excluded from policy price indexes.
  3. With shelter removed, inflation sits near 2%, but tariffs have pushed goods prices up, suggesting the true neutral target may be a bit higher and there’s room for slightly more stimulative policy.

Challenge Orthodoxy

Who is Robert Malone • 23 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
💰 Finance Housing
  1. The subscription-based economy is spreading into almost every industry, creating recurring costs that can stop people from owning things and building equity.
  2. Very long mortgages like 50-year loans push most payments toward interest for decades, so buying can feel like renting and leaves homeowners stuck with long-term liabilities.
  3. Building wealth means reducing dependence on subscriptions and long-term high-interest loans, owning assets outright when possible, paying down debt quickly, and keeping your own backups for important data.

Why Housing Vouchers Need a YIMBY Movement

The New Urban Order • 139 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing
  1. YIMBY movement has had significant successes in housing reforms, but the impact on housing supply and affordability is uncertain.
  2. While YIMBYism appeals to various political ideologies, it may not address the need for subsidized housing for the growing number of Americans in poverty.
  3. Advocating for the expansion of project-based vouchers, which offer federally guaranteed rent and simplify affordable housing development, could be a more pragmatic and cross-over approach embraced by developers and policymakers.

Fear And Anger In The Heart of NIMBY

Cornerstone • 99 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing
  1. Zoning reform opponents want people to be confused, angry, and fearful, but reform supporters aim to inform people with the belief that information is on their side.
  2. Negative behavior and attacks from opponents persist, making it challenging to engage in positive dialogue and find common ground in housing advocacy.
  3. NIMBYism is driven by a deep fear of change, with opponents believing increased housing density will disrupt their lives, creating a generational and emotional divide in housing debates.

Back of the envelope estimate of mortgage crackdown

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 126 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
💰 Finance Housing
  1. The number of mortgages has decreased significantly since the housing crisis. This drop is around 15 million more than normal due to stricter lending practices.
  2. Even with the growing adult population, fewer households are being formed, resulting in a shortfall of around 13 million mortgages that would have typically been expected.
  3. Long-term trends show fewer people per household and more unmarried adults, which contribute to the reduced demand for mortgages and homes.

Can America Admit It's Lonely?

The New Urban Order • 199 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Housing
  1. Loneliness and social isolation in America are serious issues that can lead to mental health challenges and premature death. Building social connections should be a priority like other public health issues.
  2. In the past, there were more housing options that naturally fostered community and connection. Policy decisions made privacy a priority over connection in the last century.
  3. Private sector initiatives like apps promoting living near friends or co-living spaces are addressing the need for more socially connected housing, while policymakers have not yet prioritized this issue.

Mexican Housing Crunch

Mindset Value • 196 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
💼 Business Housing
  1. Mexico is not building enough homes, with production expected to be 50% lower than in 2013.
  2. Record home price appreciation in Mexico due to the housing shortage.
  3. Investing in Mexican homebuilders like Consorcio Ara can present opportunities for growth and capital returns.

Risk of Ruin Podcast

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 21 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🎙 Podcasts Housing
  1. The episode breaks down what's been messing up the housing market and the reforms aimed at fixing it.
  2. Two very different homebuilders are already putting recent west-coast reforms into practice, showing policy changes are leading to real activity on the ground.
  3. A home's right is attached to the lot, and because that right is currently scarce, turning lots from single-home to multi-home rights is extremely valuable. Small design details matter, but mechanisms that multiply homes per lot act like a money printer.

What Homes Are Missing, again?

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 231 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💼 Business Housing
  1. There is a significant shortage of homes in the U.S., estimated at around 15 million. This is due to various factors like vacancies and the rising number of adults per home.
  2. Vacancies have dropped over the years, and we might be short about 5 million vacant units needed to keep rent inflation stable.
  3. Population growth has slowed since 2008 and has likely affected housing demand, which adds pressure to the existing housing shortage.

Britain's weird hate for air conditioning

Odds and Ends of History • 134 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🎭️ Culture Housing
  1. Britain has a strange dislike for air conditioning, which affects how people stay cool in hot weather. It seems many prefer to tough it out rather than use AC.
  2. There are ongoing delays in UK projects like HS2, which is causing frustration for those hoping for improvements in transport. People are looking for better public transport options, especially buses.
  3. A recent report suggests building more homes and smaller living spaces could help with housing shortages. It also points out that more air conditioning might make these homes more comfortable.

Next week: debating a $17 billion budget. This week: debating printing costs

City Hall Watcher • 78 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing
  1. Toronto City Hall is facing a significant budget battle next week over a $17 billion budget.
  2. Council spent time debating printing costs, travel expenses, bus lanes, and shelters in their recent meetings.
  3. The Toronto Community Housing Board is tackling the issue of overhoused households, aiming to reallocate space for those on the waitlist.

The Chinese Hukou system, all but obsolete?

Beijing Channel • 16 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Housing
  1. China's average hukou threshold fell to about 12.6% in 2024, down from 98.8% in 1999, and most cities now have low or no barriers to local registration, especially fourth- and fifth-tier cities.
  2. The biggest drivers were top-down policy pushes (notably around 2001 and 2014) plus local incentives like strong labor demand, aging populations, competition from nearby cities, weak housing markets, and closeness to major metros.
  3. Hukou is becoming less restrictive but still matters because many public services remain tied to hukou status, and further easing is likely to continue slowly through quotas, lower criteria, or suburban registration options.

Part 2: Current State of the Housing Market; Overview for mid-November 2025

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 23 implied HN points • 13 Nov 25
💰 Finance Housing
  1. Home sales are down this year, leading to increased inventory and pressure on prices. It means buyers have more options but might see lower prices.
  2. House prices are generally trending down, even though there's been a slight increase this year. This could be affected by changing mortgage rates and rising unemployment.
  3. Recent data shows a mix of increases in house prices, but these are lagging indicators, meaning the numbers might not reflect current market conditions.

Toronto Budget 2024 (Olivia's Version) drops next week

City Hall Watcher • 78 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing
  1. Toronto City is seeing a trend where a few large corporations dominate the employment landscape, which could lead to political challenges.
  2. Toronto is working on improving housing development timelines and affordable housing projects to address the growing housing crisis.
  3. City Hall in Toronto is considering implementing new measures like a foreign buyer tax, revamping subsidy programs, and investing in dedicated bus lanes to improve transit infrastructure.

May 2025 Residential Home Sales

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 84 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
💰 Finance Housing
  1. Residential home sales are showing a slow and steady recovery. It means that the market isn't booming, but it's getting better bit by bit.
  2. The data reflects a consistent trend, suggesting a stable housing market in May 2025. This stability can be good for buyers and sellers.
  3. Overall, the housing market's current state is described as 'boring.' While it lacks excitement, a boring market can also mean less volatility.

2023 Was the Year 3D Printed Homes Hit the Mainstream

The New Urban Order • 99 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Housing
  1. 3D printed homes have become mainstream in 2023, with various projects and collaborations showcasing their potential.
  2. There is optimism that 3D printed homes could help solve the affordable housing crisis due to potential cost reduction, sustainability, and efficiency benefits.
  3. However, skepticism exists around whether the popularity of 3D printed homes will be lasting, similar to the limited uptake of traditional 3D printing technology for everyday use.

The Math of the Housing Crunch

The Sunday Morning Post • 58 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💰 Finance Housing
  1. The housing crisis has worsened in recent years due to factors like increased rents and higher home prices, impacting policymakers and individuals alike.
  2. The root of the housing crunch dates back to the Great Recession in 2007, leading to a significant drop in new home construction that never fully recovered.
  3. To ease the housing crunch, there is a need for an increase in the construction of various types of housing units, which has already shown some promise in the rental market.

One Big Way to Boost Housing Supply and Reduce Investor-Owned Housing

The New Urban Order • 119 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
💰 Finance Housing
  1. The housing market is facing challenges with low supply and high demand, keeping housing prices inflated despite high mortgage rates.
  2. Creating a time-sensitive incentive program can push real estate investors to sell to homeowners, potentially boosting housing supply and lowering prices.
  3. Offering a one-year tax amnesty on capital gains taxes for investors who sell to homeowners could help unlock housing stock, shift ownership, and improve market dynamics.

Spilled Coffee Year In Review

Spilled Coffee • 8 implied HN points • 31 Dec 25
💰 Finance Housing
  1. The newsletter grew sharply in 2025, expanding its global readership and earning mainstream recognition from major outlets and platform bestseller lists.
  2. The content was heavily investing-focused with a steady cadence of market updates, stock picks, charts, and sector analyses that tracked themes like housing, AI, and the Magnificent 7.
  3. Popular essays challenged common investing myths and emphasized simple, long-term thinking and making financial choices that reflect real-life priorities rather than just spreadsheet metrics.

Vacant Housing Lowest In Census History

The Discourse Lounge • 702 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing
  1. Vacancy rates for housing are at record lows in the United States, leading to a severe housing shortage.
  2. Real estate speculators and corporations are profiting from the housing crisis by acquiring rental housing.
  3. To combat the housing shortage, there is a need to build more housing, reconsider zoning laws, and potentially cap rent growth temporarily.

May 2025 Erdmann Housing Tracker & Inflation Update

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 63 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
💰 Finance Housing
  1. Inflation has been steady at around 2% for three years, but the housing market shows some delays in reflecting this change. This means that while prices overall are stable, housing costs might still be catching up.
  2. The shelter component of inflation is lagging behind, which can impact people's housing decisions. It's important to keep an eye on how these housing prices evolve over time.
  3. Tracking housing prices and inflation together is crucial for understanding the market. Knowing how they influence each other can help you make better financial decisions.

Q2 NY Fed Report: Mortgage Originations by Credit Score, Foreclosures Decrease

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 43 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
💰 Finance Housing
  1. Mortgage originations are mainly going to people with high credit scores now. In the past, many loans were given to people with lower scores during the housing bubble.
  2. Foreclosures are currently low and below the levels before the pandemic. This decrease is a positive sign compared to previous years.
  3. Some states are starting to see more cases of serious late payments, which could lead to an increase in foreclosures there. It's a reminder to watch the housing market closely.

The Outlook for Home Sales

Home Economics • 98 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
💰 Finance Housing
  1. Mortgage rates are high and home prices have not dropped, leading to decreased affordability and a decline in home sales.
  2. This post discusses the impact of economic factors on the housing market.
  3. The newsletter focuses on using data visualization to analyze economic news, particularly in the housing sector.

Top Links 374 The new armaments boom, how to build places for people to live, Eswanti's ship register & Marx to Darwin

Chartbook • 357 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Housing
  1. The post highlights topics like the new armaments industry, urban planning, and Eswatini's ship registry.
  2. The Chartbook Newsletter by Adam Tooze offers valuable insights and content on various subjects.
  3. The post includes links to intriguing content, like a piece on Yozo Hamaguchi's art and a paid subscriber section.

Freddie Mac House Price Index Declined in June; Up 2.0% Year-over-year

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 43 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
💰 Finance Housing
  1. The Freddie Mac House Price Index dropped by 0.20% month-over-month in June, showing a consistent decline over the last few months. This suggests that house prices are under pressure right now.
  2. Year-over-year, the index is up 2.0%, but this is a decrease from 2.3% in May, indicating that the growth rate is slowing down.
  3. Punta Gorda, Florida is now the worst-performing city for house prices, with many cities, especially in Florida, experiencing significant declines from their previous highs.

Inside the Affordability Crisis

Net Interest • 12 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
💰 Finance Housing
  1. The US mortgage market has materially shrunk relative to the economy and housing wealth because the big refinancing boom ended once rates rose, removing a huge source of mortgage flow.
  2. New mortgage activity is now driven by purchases, but investors and lenders are very risk averse and credit standards plus regulatory costs have tightened, so many buyers get denied or face pricier loans.
  3. High home prices combined with much higher mortgage rates have made moving and first-time buying unaffordable for many, raising the average buyer age and slowing loan growth for banks and originators.

MBA: Mortgage Delinquencies Increased in Q3 2025

CalculatedRisk Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
💰 Finance Housing
  1. The mortgage delinquency rate rose to 3.99% in Q3 2025, which is higher than both the previous quarter and last year.
  2. FHA loans are seeing the worst performance, with serious delinquencies increasing significantly compared to conventional loans.
  3. Factors like a weaker job market, increased personal debts, and rising costs are putting stress on FHA homeowners, making it harder for them to keep up with their mortgage payments.

My 2nd-Favorite Book on Housing

Bet On It • 135 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
📚 Literature Housing
  1. The book 'Home Win' is a creative look at housing policy through science fiction, imagining how Britain could solve its housing crisis in the next decade.
  2. It points out that Britain has not been building enough houses, often due to restrictive planning laws that hamper development in comparison to other countries.
  3. The story highlights a shift in politics, where a pro-development movement called YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard) gains traction, pushing back against NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) attitudes and leading to more housing construction.

A Free Future

Bet On It • 105 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Housing
  1. Open borders can lead to more opportunities and growth for everyone. Allowing people to move freely can benefit economies and societies.
  2. Housing deregulation can help make living more affordable. Reducing restrictions can lead to more homes being built and lower prices.
  3. The ideas of freedom and less regulation can lead to a better future. It's important to consider how these changes could positively impact society.