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To ease the housing crunch, more places end single-family zoning

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Re: To ease the housing crunch, more places end single-family zoning

#31

I don’t care much for multi-family housing personally. I don’t want to share a wall with anyone, not even a family member and I’m willing to make some concessions for that freedom. However, recently I became interested in adding an “accessory dwelling unit” on my property to accommodate aging relatives. Despite having the space for a small 500-750 sqft unit on my property, my city’s zoning rules killed the idea. The…

Are you OK with other people living in multi unit housing, or does your desire for a detached unit extend to others' way of living?

I ask because it seems that where ever this happens, many people oppose merely allowing multiunit because they don't want to live in multiunit, even though it doesn't actually impact where they live. It's like lifting a ban on a certain type of car; it doesn't change your car, and there are still many types of vehicles on the market.

Re: To ease the housing crunch, more places end single-family zoning

#33

It is critical that any housing solution incorporate equity, in my opinion. Taking away home ownership so we can all pay apartment owners for our entire lives is wrong.

Taking away ownership isn't what this would do though? Honestly I don't even understand how you came to that conclusion.

Re: To ease the housing crunch, more places end single-family zoning

#34
post #4

I hate how that's phrased. No one is ending single-family housing. They're legalizing multi-resident housing.

> I hate how that's phrased. No one is ending single-family housing. That would be a fair complaint, if the word “housing” had been used in place of “zoning”. Single-family zoning is a legal restriction that allows only single-family housing. Ending it is not the same as ending single-family housing . If you are going to complain about phrasing, you should complain about the actual phrasing.

People don't understand that the single family zoning is actually an apartment ban. So even if it's technically correct, it scares a lot of people unnecessarily.

Otherwise intelligent people have their brains broken when it comes to discussions about housing. We need to pick words carefully to not confuse.

Re: To ease the housing crunch, more places end single-family zoning

#35
I used to think that if average income cannot afford the average home, the market must necessarily correct. I’m wrong about this obviously but I still cannot understand why. I understand that wealthier people have vacation homes, but the only reason for a wealthy person to purchase an additional non-vacation home is to rent it out to someone less wealthy. Since the less wealthy person couldn’t cover the mortgage to begin with, the investment will be cash flow negative. The only hope is price appreciation which logically should never materialize.

Re: To ease the housing crunch, more places end single-family zoning

#36

I kinda get it and kinda hate it. I am a pretty responsible dude but nothing has made me as invested in my community, surroundings, etc as owning a home. I always loved the US but once we bought the house I really understood it on the next level. Apartments are great for single people and retirees. Families should have a house with a back yard and a drive way. It's our dream.

With all due respect that’s _your_ dream. I hated growing up in a house with a back yard and a driveway. I’m not sure I would have wanted to grow up in downtown Manhattan, but an apartment in a small city would have been infinitely better.

>”I hated growing up in a house with a back yard and a driveway.”

May I ask why?

Re: To ease the housing crunch, more places end single-family zoning

#37

I used to think that if average income cannot afford the average home, the market must necessarily correct. I’m wrong about this obviously but I still cannot understand why. I understand that wealthier people have vacation homes, but the only reason for a wealthy person to purchase an additional non-vacation home is to rent it out to someone less wealthy. Since the less wealthy person couldn’t cover the mortgage to b…

Because the interest rate is low and people could have afforded it based on the loans the banks were giving

Seriously... Just a few years ago, banks were giving you loans for like 1 - 5 percent down..

Re: To ease the housing crunch, more places end single-family zoning

#38

It is critical that any housing solution incorporate equity, in my opinion. Taking away home ownership so we can all pay apartment owners for our entire lives is wrong.

Taking away ownership isn't what this would do though? Honestly I don't even understand how you came to that conclusion.

In the US, condo/apartment ownership is very rare by volume compared to rental apartments. I'm saying that rental apartments should not be the substitution of choice for single-family homes.

Re: To ease the housing crunch, more places end single-family zoning

#39

I used to think that if average income cannot afford the average home, the market must necessarily correct. I’m wrong about this obviously but I still cannot understand why. I understand that wealthier people have vacation homes, but the only reason for a wealthy person to purchase an additional non-vacation home is to rent it out to someone less wealthy. Since the less wealthy person couldn’t cover the mortgage to b…

because inflation is high it could be used as an investment.
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