# The way to address housing affordability is to build more housing

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-way-to-address-housing-affordability-is-to-build-more-housing/1024808>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [November 12, 2025, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-way-to-address-housing-affordability-is-to-build-more-housing/1024808 "2025-11-12T17:43:53Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 4

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**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\
**Post date:** [November 13, 2025, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-way-to-address-housing-affordability-is-to-build-more-housing/1024808/61 "2025-11-13T17:29:09Z")

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> [@Cheesesteak](#):
>
> The feds shouldn’t be trying to decide where housing is built, it’s the perfect use of the free market. Desirable areas will get interest in building because the margins will be high. Less desirable areas will get less interest as their prices are already depressed. The market will tend to move towards equalization, or at least moderation, when it’s allowed to operate without allowing anti-competitive behaviors.

Except that there’s no such thing as a pure free market. Certain areas are desirable because they’re within walking distance of a subway station, or a commuter train station or are close to the interstate.

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**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\
**Post date:** [November 13, 2025, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-way-to-address-housing-affordability-is-to-build-more-housing/1024808/62 "2025-11-13T17:42:51Z")

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> [@HMS\_Irruncible](#):
>
> I disagree that anything should be left _entirely_ to the free market. Markets are great servants but terrible masters.

> [@Dewey\_Finn](#):
>
> Except that there’s no such thing as a pure free market.

Agreed on both counts, but market forces are a powerful tool to use with respect to responding to demand for something.

Right now the market can’t respond to demand for housing except to raise prices.

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