An editorial from a building industry leader criticizes the Australian government's simplistic thinking on increasing the production of affordable housing.
"Recent media statements by Treasurer Peter Costello and Prime Minister John Howard relating to the problem have focused on increased land prices and the inflationary impacts of urban growth boundaries. But this debate has failed to take into account two other factors that are pushing home ownership out of reach â€" development opportunities in established suburbs, and property taxes."
"Recent reforms to industrial relations legislation mean the Victorian building industry is well placed to build a diverse range of homes at competitive prices. But the industry cannot influence the price of land â€" this can only be affected by a State Government that is prepared to provide the building industry with development opportunities in the inner suburbs â€" a move that may prove unpopular in the short term, especially with local government, but will boost housing affordability."
FULL STORY: More land won't ease home crisis
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San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
San Diego Votes to Rein in “Towering” ADUs
City council voted to limit the number of units in accessory buildings to six — after confronting backyard developments of up to 100 units behind a single family home.
Texas Legislature’s Surprising Pro-Housing Swing
Smaller homes on smaller lots, office to apartment conversions, and 40% less say for NIMBYs, vote state lawmakers.
Even Edmonton Wants Single Staircase Buildings
Canada's second most affordable major city joins those angling to nix the requirement for two staircases in multi-family buildings.
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