A sharp increase in the housing supply gap is projected to worsen the affordability crisis, particularly for the disadvantaged, over the next year.
The gap will reach 4.5 million units in 2022, up from 2.5 million in 2018, according to a CoreLogic Public Policy Executive. This will be a crisis for those who earn less than half of what their neighbors do.
This cohort will face a shortage of 2.6 million units next year. People who earn more than what their neighbors earn will not be spared either, facing a gap of about 650,000 units in 2022.
Multiple factors are hampering development of more multifamily units. These include a rapid increase in material costs, such as a 150% spike in lumber prices in 2021. The necessity for multiple funding sources, adding complexity to deals, is another key factor.
Developers complain that the multiple financing sources needed for each project have deadlines that aren’t aligned. This results in longer timelines that add costs.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2022
Canada’s Trudeau seeking building codes changes, net-zero emissions building strategy
Prime minister also wants net-zero electricity grid by 2035.
Codes and Standards | Jan 18, 2022
Greater emphasis on building materials needed to achieve net-zero carbon offices
Engineered wood, straw, and bamboo can be keys to achieving goal.
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2022
AISC seeks comments on draft earthquake standard for steel buildings
Includes new limits for cross-sectional slenderness of steel columns based on latest research.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2022
California’s wildfire building code significantly reduces structural loss
As other states consider upgrading their codes, Golden State provides useful model.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2022
Regulator holding back climate-friendly, energy-saving equipment deployment, critics say
Heat pumps, solar power could be made more accessible for low-income communities in Massachusetts.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2022
Cost hikes drive nearly one million renters out of homeownership qualification in 2021
Household income needed to pay a mortgage rose to $62,872 from $55,186.
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2022
New ratings services focus on climate risk for homeowners
Efficacy of models used in risk assessment varies.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2022
Virginia contractors having a tough time finding diverse subs to meet state goals
Survey of primes may indicate similar issues at federal level.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2022
Boston drops parking requirements for affordable housing
Measure expected to spur new projects.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2022
Dept. of Energy Better Climate Challenge aims for 50% GHG emission reduction by 2030
Program offers technical assistance and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
