City Journal's 10 Blocks cover image

City Journal's 10 Blocks

The State of American Homeownership

Feb 20, 2025
Judge Glock, Director of Research at the Manhattan Institute and author of "The Dead Pledge," dives into the complex landscape of American homeownership. He discusses the historical roots of 30-year mortgages and how low pandemic rates shaped today's market. The conversation reveals challenges like declining home sales and high mortgage rates, alongside the need for urban density solutions, especially in cities like Los Angeles. Glock advocates for upzoning to tackle restrictive housing regulations and highlights the broader economic implications of these trends.
25:07

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Quick takeaways

  • Despite the challenges of rising prices and mortgage rates, homeownership rates in the U.S. remain stable at around 66%.
  • The historical context of the 30-year mortgage and government policies have created a system that hinders affordability and mobility in the housing market.

Deep dives

Current State of Homeownership

Homeownership rates in the U.S. remain around 66%, which aligns closely with historical averages. Despite rising home prices and mortgage rates surpassing 7%, the overall rate indicates that a majority of Americans still own their homes. The challenge lies not in the ability to purchase but in the prohibitive costs associated with homeownership today compared to past decades. This affordability crisis limits the ability of prospective homeowners to enter the market, effectively decreasing mobility and reducing home sales.

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