Why Americans can't Find Starter Homes

Starter homes are typically modest in price and under 1,400 square feet. These units accounted for 40% of new residential construction in 1982, and just 9% in 2023. Economists say starter homes are disappearing as home builders contend with rising costs for land, labor and materials while navigating increasingly thick layers of regulation. As a result, many new homes are for high-end buyers in more remote locations. Meanwhile, the age of the first-time buyer rose to 38 from age 29 in 1981.

Chapters:
00:00​ Introduction
01:00​ Chapter 1 - Inventory
03:20​ Chapter 2 - Housing markets
06:03​ Chapter 3 - Finances
09:18​ Chapter 4 - Regulation