Podcast: Housing Affordability and What Policymakers Can Do to Solve It
In the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, hosts CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez discuss the latest economic data and what is happening nationwide as the housing affordability crisis continues to be a key issue.
Tobin shared details from his recent trips across the Federation to various state and local home builders associations, which highlighted frustrations members are having. But there is also a growing optimism as more local and state officials recognize that the backbone of the community is housing and the need to build more.
“I think you’re starting to see more and more lawmakers — whether it’s local or state level, and certainly the federal level — recognize that NAHB and our affiliated partners at the state and local level, we are the experts, that we are the ones who are going to build this new supply, and we are ready, willing and able to roll up our sleeves and work with anybody at any time to solve the housing affordability crisis,” he said.
The upcoming Legislative Conference, taking place June 12 during the Spring Leadership Meeting, offers a critical opportunity to speak directly with lawmakers about the power of the industry to solve the housing affordability crisis.
“We are the solution. Not part of the solution — we are the solution,” Tobin stated. “We are good stewards of housing affordability, we’re good stewards of the economy, we’re good stewards of land use. And this is the industry you need to work with if you’re going to help make housing affordable for your constituents.”
Listen to the entire episode below, and watch past episodes of the podcast on YouTube. You can also subscribe to Housing Developments through your favorite podcast provider.
Latest from NAHBNow
May 08, 2025
Multifamily Developer Confidence Falls in First QuarterConfidence in the market for new multifamily housing declined year-over-year in the first quarter, according to the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by NAHB. The MMS produces two separate indices. The Multifamily Production Index (MPI) had a reading of 44, down three points year-over-year, while the Multifamily Occupancy Index (MOI) had a reading of 82, down one point year-over-year.
May 07, 2025
Energy Star Transition and Its Effect on NAHB MembersSeveral recent media reports suggest that the Energy Star program, a proven private-public partnership administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is going through a possible transition period that could lead to its elimination.
Latest Economic News
May 06, 2025
Mortgage Activity Levels Off in April as Rates IncreaseMortgage loan applications saw little change in April, as refinancing activity decreased. The Market Composite Index, which measures mortgage loan application volume based on the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) weekly survey, experienced a 0.4% month-over month increase on a seasonally adjusted (SA) basis. However, year-over-year, the index is up 29.3% compared to April 2024.
May 06, 2025
Prices for New Homes Continue to Drop as Existing RisesThe median price for a new single-family home sold in the first quarter of 2025 was $416,900, a mere $14,600 above the existing home sale price of $402,300, according to U.S. Census Bureau and National Association of Realtors data (not seasonally adjusted – NSA).
May 05, 2025
Student Housing Construction Investment Rises in the First Quarter of 2025Private fixed investment in student dormitories increased by 2.3% in the first quarter of 2025, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $4.04 billion. This gain followed a 1.0% increase in the previous quarter. However, private fixed investment in dorms was 2% lower than a year ago, as elevated interest rates place a damper on student housing construction.