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    NYT: We need to build more housing


    It’s behind a paywall, so TL;DR: This New York Times editorial board piece argues that the US housing crisis is driven primarily by a simple imbalance: not enough homes are being built relative to population and demand.

    It explains that in the mid-to-late 20th century, housing production roughly kept pace with population growth, which helped keep homes relatively affordable for young buyers. Over time, however, construction slowed significantly even as demand continued to rise, especially in economically strong metro areas.

    The result has been rising home prices and rents, particularly in major cities where jobs and opportunity are concentrated. The article argues this is not just a market fluctuation but a structural issue rooted in local land use rules.

    Key points:

    • Housing prices have risen largely because supply has not kept up with demand
    • Strict zoning rules, especially limits on multifamily housing, restrict new construction
    • Permitting delays and regulatory requirements further slow development and raise costs
    • High-cost cities tend to have the most restrictive building environments
    • Cities that build more aggressively, such as Austin, tend to see better affordability outcomes over time
    • Increasing supply, including apartments and denser housing, is presented as the most effective long-term solution

    The piece also argues that easing zoning restrictions and streamlining approvals could reduce costs and improve access to housing near job centers, helping mobility, affordability, and economic growth.

    https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/05/18/opinion/affordable-housing-america.html

    Posted by Savard-Lafleur

    View 8 Comments

    8 Comments

    1. Savard-Lafleur on

      This NYT editorial argues that the US housing crisis is mainly driven by insufficient housing supply due to restrictive zoning and slow permitting. It highlights how increasing housing construction and allowing more density could improve affordability, especially in high-demand cities.

    4. MuthusiPpreenkaa on

      Yeah, this is it! We really made affordable housing way more complicated than it needs to be. Just build more housing!

    6. hibikir_40k on

      But it would be so much easier to just lower demand by, say, making carrying handguns mandatory. When all you want is to lower prices, there’s all kinds of options to be investigated.

    7. vi_sucks on

      Yeah, this is basically settled at this point.

      The problem is that the voters don’t wanna hear it. It’s like telling a classroom of 5 year olds to eat their broccoli. They don’t give a shit and they ain’t gonna llisten.

    8. Handlon_Otunba on

      It really does come back to zoning every time. Like, we keep acting shocked at prices, but then keep blocking new builds everywhere.

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