United States | News & Politics

I think it depends on the place but one observation is to notice what builders are choosing to build. In my area at least the majority of new construction is either cramped subdivisions with $600K+ homes, luxury apartments, or 55+ maintenance provided housing. All of these categories are not what the general populace is looking for, especially first time buyers or new entrants to the market. But I'm guessing the margins on these properties and rentals are much higher.

I think developers don't want to waste their efforts on affordable rentals or starter homes. They have block of land X, so they figure they can get Y% more return by building properties with rents in the top quartile for the area.