Democrats vs Republicans: Housing Market Policy
Chris Lamm • Published
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Chris explains why he supports higher density housing, including accessory dwelling units, as a way to add rentals, income, jobs and construction.
Key points
- Chris says to vote for policy, not for the person you like or dislike, and that he believes there are housing solutions on both sides.
- He supports higher density housing and infill, such as adding accessory dwelling units on large yards.
- ADUs let homeowners create rental income, and he says we need rentals too because not everyone wants to buy.
- He says more rentals mean more income, more jobs and more construction.
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In this short clip from a conversation in November 2024, we talked about housing policy, and I said something I believe: vote for policy, not for the person you like or dislike. When you strip away the names, there are real solutions to the housing market on both sides of the aisle.
My example was higher density housing. This is a big policy push on the Democratic side, and I am a fan of it. The idea is simple. If a city has a master plan, you can infill the large yards by putting in accessory dwelling units, which are often called ADUs. That lets homeowners create income and creates rentals, and we need rentals too. There is always a market for rental properties. Not everyone wants to buy a house. Some people want to rent because they are not going to live there forever, and it is not their forever spot.
Why do I think that solves problems? For one, it creates more rentals, which gives people a place to live while they save, move for work, or wait for the right time to buy. Two, it creates income for the homeowner who builds the unit. Three, it creates more jobs and more construction, since someone has to build all of it. Those are three things our housing market needs, and they do not depend on who wins an election.
I think this is worth remembering when you hear housing promises. A lot of the talk is about helping people buy with grants and lower rates. Those can help. But I think a clear way to help more people into housing is to add more places for people to live, whether to buy or to rent. Higher density housing, infill, and ADUs are practical ways to do that.
If you own a home with a big yard or a detached space and you have wondered whether an ADU would make sense, it is worth talking to a lender before you start. How you finance it, and how the rental income is treated, can change what makes sense for your situation. If you are looking to buy a home with the idea of adding a unit later, that matters too.
I am not a politician and I am not trying to tell you how to vote. I just want you to understand what actually adds housing, and where you may be able to build value for your own family.
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