Industry Voices

The nation’s housing crisis has reached a breaking point, pushing developers to rethink how and where new supply can be created. Among the most promising — and debated — solutions is the conversion of underutilized office buildings into much-needed affordable housing.  On the surface, the concept seems straightforward: repurpose empty office space into homes in locations where demand is highest. In practice, however, these projects are anything but simple. Converting office buildings into livable, modern and affordable multifamily residences requires far more than reimagining floor plans. Success depends on choosing …

As apartment rents climb and home prices soar, more Americans struggle to find stable, affordable housing. While many factors contribute to this growing affordability crisis one often overlooked but considerable, housing cost is property taxation. After World War II, the American dream was built on the foundation of homeownership. With the GI Bill’s help, returning veterans could purchase homes. Homeownership became a significant source of savings and wealth, enabling families to build equity over time as property values generally appreciated. In effect, homeownership became a form of “forced” savings that …