Fresh Air The Housing Shortage, Explained
70 snips
Dec 11, 2024 
Ben Keyes, a Wharton professor and expert on housing markets, discusses the U.S. housing shortage of approximately 4 million homes. He links the crisis to the 2008 financial meltdown and highlights how climate change exacerbates the situation. Keyes explores soaring prices, interest rates, and innovative solutions, including repurposing federal properties. He also addresses the rising insurance costs tied to climate impacts and demographic shifts affecting homeownership, particularly in risk-prone areas like Florida.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
2008 Housing Crisis Impact
- The 2008 financial crisis caused a collapse in home construction, leading to a housing shortage.
- This shortage, coupled with increased demand, contributes to the current unaffordability.
Housing Shortage Factors
- High material and labor costs, financing challenges, and zoning restrictions hinder new home construction.
- These three factors contribute to the ongoing housing shortage.
Tariff Impact on Housing
- Tariffs on imported construction materials will increase building costs.
- This will worsen the housing affordability problem, not improve it.