Mixed-density housing keeps expanding as affordability reaches a breaking point

"Housing affordability and its impact on Americans' quality of life is becoming a market- and generation-defining issue. Higher interest rates, constrained inventory, rising land costs, and slower wage growth have combined to push homeownership further out of reach for many, especially first-time buyers, middle-income households, and those seeking new construction. At the same time, the industry is increasingly focused on a related but distinct challenge: housing attainability."

"While affordability measures whether a buyer can afford a home at today's prices and interest rates, attainability reflects whether the market offers a realistic path to ownership at all through available housing types, entry-level price points, and the way communities are designed. As affordability remains constrained by broader economic forces, attainability is becoming a more practical lever for builders, planners, and municipalities."

Higher interest rates, constrained inventory, rising land costs, and slower wage growth have pushed homeownership further out of reach for many, particularly first-time buyers, middle-income households, and new-construction seekers. Affordability measures whether a buyer can afford current prices and rates, while attainability assesses whether the market provides realistic entry paths through available housing types, entry-level price points, and community design. Mixed-density development can expand access by creating multiple entry points and allowing households to remain in their communities as needs evolve. Smarter land use, updated zoning, infrastructure investment, and strong design standards are required to make increased density succeed.

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