Housing Affordability Institute released a new whitepaper today highlighting how modest densification can increase housing affordability. On new construction, affordability is increased through lowering construction costs. On the existing front, the is a growing pool of research that shows existing housing is made more affordable by the construction of new, market-rate housing.

The whitepaper is part of Housing Affordability Institute’s new Modest Densification series highlighting how zoning modernization through modest densification can increase housing inventory, affordability, and access.

“Status quo zoning has not kept pace with changing demographics and buyer preferences,” said Nick Erickson, executive director of Housing Affordability Institute. “As the growing pool of research shows, modest densification can improve housing affordability for both new and existing housing. Moving to more flexible zoning practices via modest densification is a no-cost way for cities and states to address their housing challenges.”

Highlights:

• Modest densification can facilitate the construction of a more diverse range of housing options by right, serving different income levels and lifestyles.
• By allowing more housing by right by employing modest densification, construction costs can be reduced.
• Research is showing that adding new, market-rate housing improves affordability for existing housing as well.

Housing Affordability Institute’s Modest Densification series is available in our Policy Center.