What's the US Housing Market Doing? || Peter Zeihan
Feb 5, 2025
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Dive into the evolving US housing market, where post-COVID dynamics have led to fewer new builds and soaring prices. Discover how consumer demand has shifted towards quality living spaces. The podcast also unpacks the interplay of political decisions and demographic shifts on mortgage rates, emphasizing the crucial role of baby boomers in shaping housing inventory. Stay tuned for insights that combine current events with in-depth analysis!
The post-COVID housing market saw a surge in demand due to lifestyle changes, but this was met with severely limited new home builds.
Government fiscal policies are driving up mortgage rates, complicating home affordability for younger generations amidst demographic shifts in the market.
Deep dives
Housing Market Trends Post-COVID
The housing market has significantly shifted after the COVID pandemic, with a notable increase in demand as people sought improved living conditions outside urban areas. This surge in demand occurred alongside a record low number of new home builds, leading to a drastic rise in housing prices as available units dwindled. However, the dynamics have recently changed, as housing stock on the market has increased nearly twofold, while house sales have seen a dramatic decline of about 40%. This shift presents a challenging landscape for millennials and younger individuals looking to buy homes, as the affordability crisis continues to limit their options.
Impact of Fiscal Policy and Demographics on Credit Markets
Government fiscal policy greatly influences mortgage rates, which have doubled since the beginning of the first Trump administration due to increased fiscal deficits under multiple administrations. As federal spending rises unchecked, borrowing costs for consumers are expected to continue increasing, exacerbating the affordability issues in the housing market. Additionally, demographic shifts, particularly the aging baby boomer population, create a complex situation where retirees are liquidating savings and starting to sell their homes. This influx of housing at a time when credit is becoming more expensive generates conflicting trends in the market, highlighting local conditions that may vary significantly from broader national patterns.
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Understanding the Post-COVID Housing Market Dynamics
The US housing market has been through a lot, so what does this current chapter look like? We're going to be looking at several factors impacting the trajectory of the US housing market.