• mctoasterson@reddthat.com
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      2
      ·
      1 year ago

      I think it depends on the place but one observation is to notice what builders are choosing to build. In my area at least the majority of new construction is either cramped subdivisions with $600K+ homes, luxury apartments, or 55+ maintenance provided housing. All of these categories are not what the general populace is looking for, especially first time buyers or new entrants to the market. But I’m guessing the margins on these properties and rentals are much higher.

      I think developers don’t want to waste their efforts on affordable rentals or starter homes. They have block of land X, so they figure they can get Y% more return by building properties with rents in the top quartile for the area.

      • trailing9@lemmy.ml
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        Yes. Now offer more land and the right to use prefabricated elements. Then somebody will figure out a way to create housing with low margins.

      • trailing9@lemmy.ml
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        Affordable housing can be built in new areas connected by public transport. Nimbys cannot have a majority everywhere.

        • asteroidnova@lemmy.ml
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          2
          ·
          1 year ago

          They are the ones who vote. They don’t need a majority. They need a majority of voters. They seem to have it. I think we’re learning that we have the country that we want more and more everyday. We don’t want better, we want this.

          • trailing9@lemmy.ml
            link
            fedilink
            arrow-up
            2
            ·
            1 year ago

            Or renters could organize and motivate the nonvoters to vote after they have clarified which party is willing to implement the necessary changes.

              • trailing9@lemmy.ml
                link
                fedilink
                arrow-up
                1
                ·
                1 year ago

                35% renters is not a guaranteed win for a new party. But in a two party election, they decide the winner. That’s a foundation for starting a negotiation.