Mises Institute Government Intervention, Not BlackRock, Is To Blame For The Housing Crisis
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Nov 19, 2025 The discussion uncovers how government intervention, rather than corporate buyers, fuels the housing crisis. Rising rents are linked to political movements, but do price controls really help? Historical examples expose how rent controls often exacerbate shortages. The podcast explores how looser zoning can lead to increased housing supply, as seen in Dallas. Finally, it proposes reducing regulations and promoting construction to tackle affordability issues. Misplacing blame on investors distracts from the real culprits: taxes and regulations.
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How Price Signals Drive Housing Supply
- Price controls like rent caps reduce new housing supply and worsen shortages.
- Allowing rents to rise signals demand and draws builders, increasing supply and lowering prices over time.
Historical Examples Of Rent Control Failures
- Berkeley, Santa Monica, Boston and St. Paul saw rental units or construction fall after rent control was introduced.
- Dublin and the Netherlands experienced worsening shortages despite strict rent restrictions.
Corporations Aren't The Main Culprit
- Corporate ownership is much smaller than critics claim and can't explain massive price rises alone.
- Institutional investors own a small share of rentals, so blame should focus on policy, not just investors.