Most Americans Say Housing Costs Are Too High-But They're Divided on the Reasons Why

"the majority of Americans find housing costs in the U.S. unreasonably high, according to a recent survey conducted by Tavern Research for the Searchlight Institute. While housing economists attribute the crisis to a chronic shortage of housing, the survey shows a variety of opinions on the causes, including blaming investors, building material costs, landlords, and elected officials. The survey also highlights that a majority of Americans welcome more home construction in their communities, recognizing the benefits of increased housing availability."

"93% of respondents believe housing costs are unreasonable, with only 3% considering them reasonable. Most housing economists attribute the crisis to a chronic housing shortage, estimating the need for nearly 4 million additional homes. Americans hold diverse opinions on the causes of the housing crisis, with top responses including blaming investors, high building material costs, landlords, and elected officials. Blaming investors for high housing costs is a contentious issue, with more Democrats and college-educated individuals viewing investors as a significant factor."

"Both Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale and National Association of Home Builders' chief economist Robert Dietz emphasize the importance of addressing the root causes of the housing shortage through policies that facilitate easier homebuilding, despite differing opinions on the primary contributors to the crisis. While investors play a role in specific markets, the overall impact on housing costs is limited, with small investors owning the majority of investor-owned housing."

A recent survey found 93% of respondents believe housing costs are unreasonable, with only 3% considering them reasonable. Most housing economists link the crisis to a chronic shortage and estimate a need for nearly 4 million additional homes. Americans offer varied explanations, including investor activity, high building material costs, landlords, and elected officials. A majority of Americans welcome more home construction in their communities. Economists Danielle Hale and Robert Dietz emphasize policies that make homebuilding easier to address root causes, while noting investors affect some markets but have a limited overall impact, with small investors owning most investor-owned housing.

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