Includes bibliographical references (pages 173-192) and index.
How do we know when housing is "affordable"? Poverty and housing affordability. Affordability across space. How should housing affordability be measured? -- The state of American housing. Housing consumption over time. House prices, income, amenities. Housing prices and construction costs -- Public intervention in U.S. housing markets-a historical perspective. Housing regulation and externalities. Correcting market failures. In-kind redistribution. Conclusion -- Current policies-price and quantity controls. Price controls. Quantity regulations #1: building codes. Quantity regulations #2: land-use restrictions. Hybrid price and quantity controls: inclusionary zoning. Massachusetts Chapter 40B. The Mount Laurel decision. Conclusion -- Other interventions in housing markets-taxes and subsidies. The tax code and homeownership. Credit market interventions : the rise of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Project-based subsidy programs for the development of affordable housing : public housing and low income housing tax credit programs. Tenant-based subsidies for the consumption of affordable housing: Section 8 vouchers -- Conclusion: towards a new national housing policy. The growing affordability problem in markets with high land costs. One size does not fit all. Can the federal government induce localities to permit more construction? Reforming the home mortgage interest deduction. Ensuring the poor can consume some minimum housing quality: vouchers. Summary and conclusion