David Holtzman

Could higher property taxes lead to more homeownership? Here's what one study says.

While homeowners often gripe that their property taxes are too costly, there may be some societal benefit beyond the schools and other services they provide: Higher tax rates might help lower the cost of entry for young people looking to buy their first house.

November 26, 2024

Here's how building near bus and train stations might curb the nation’s housing shortage

Most of the U.S. housing shortage could be addressed by building affordable residential property near train and bus stations, some transportation professionals say. But to pull it off, they add, developers need to overcome local opposition and get control of more land.

November 25, 2024

Home sales jump in October to mark first annual increase in more than three years

In a promising sign for the housing market, sales of existing single-family homes and condos rose nearly 3% higher than a year ago last October, marking the first annual increase in more than three years.

November 21, 2024

Small Virginia city ups the ante in offering tax breaks, perks to lure homebuilders

It's not uncommon for cities to offer developers tax breaks to build affordable housing. But Danville, Virginia, needs homes so badly for all the new workers moving to town that it is providing incentives to construct market-rate houses.

November 21, 2024

Gilded Age mansion with speakeasy is for sale in Philadelphia

A longtime home of the family of a prominent Gilded Age railroad executive just outside Philadelphia underwent a thorough restoration before hitting the market, a move that added modern elements but kept unique features — including a speakeasy.

November 20, 2024

Lot setbacks get more attention as officials look to add affordable houses

Lot setbacks, or distances that houses must be from property lines, are increasingly in the spotlight as officials around the country seek to build more residences to address a shortage of affordable housing.

November 19, 2024

Here's how one group proposes the building of 85,000 housing units on public land in Boston

The average single-family home price in greater Boston is almost $800,000 and a housing shortage is deepening. That's got regional and state leaders turning to the potential of vacant, publicly owned land as a place to build more homes.

November 18, 2024

Report renews call to scrap tax deductions for interest on mortgages

Replacing federal tax deductions for mortgage interest with a tax credit could boost the nation’s homeownership rate, with particular benefits for low- and moderate-income homebuyers, according to a new study.

November 13, 2024

New York City tries to get proposal for 'a little more housing' to the finish line

A number of big U.S. cities such as Minneapolis and Portland, Oregon, have changed their zoning rules in recent years to allow a wider variety of housing types in certain areas as officials seek to increase the supply of homes and help moderate surging prices. Now, New York City is considering these ideas as part of what it calls the “City of Yes” program.

November 12, 2024

Report says more baby boomers staying put as they age

More baby boomers who own homes are putting off selling as they age, a significant factor in the limited number of existing homes for sale in the United States.

November 11, 2024