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JF3764: Housing's New Reality: Empty Nesters Stay Put, First-Time Buyers Locked Out, and Build-to-Rent's Big Moment ft. John E Silvia

Dec 24, 2024

30:03

In this episode of The Horizon with John Chang, John interviews economist John E. Silvia to discuss economic outlook and housing market trends. Silvia shares insights on consumer sentiment improvement and housing affordability challenges, particularly in coastal markets. They explore how high interest rates, construction costs, and labor shortages are impacting housing supply, with Silvia noting significant regional disparities in affordability. The conversation covers rental housing trends, with particular focus on Sun Belt markets experiencing high supply growth but strong absorption. They discuss the emergence of build-to-rent models and alternative housing options like townhouses and condos as solutions to housing shortages. Silvia predicts continued strong housing demand over the next 5-10 years but expects construction to remain in "second gear" relative to historical levels, maintaining the current housing shortage of 3-5 million units.