America’s housing crisis stems from a nationwide shortfall of millions of homes, with demand outpacing supply. Experts blame the 2008 financial crisis for halting construction, leaving the U.S. significantly behind on homebuilding. Labor shortages and restrictive zoning laws further prevent new developments.
Builders struggle to meet demand due to a lack of skilled workers, with construction employment still below pre-recession levels. Local regulations, often driven by NIMBY opposition, have also stifled growth, preventing an estimated 20 million potential homes from being built.
Rising investor activity and millennial homebuying trends have intensified the issue. With limited housing stock and increasing demand, prices remain high across the country, making homeownership an increasingly distant dream for many Americans.