Vacant Homes Pile Up Amid US Housing Shortage: Experts Warn They Won't Fill Gap

Vacant Homes Won't Solve US Housing Crisis, Experts Say The United States is grappling with a severe housing shortage, with over 4 million units needed to meet demand, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Despite this, nearly 15 million homes sit vacant across the country, sparking debate about whether addressing these empty properties can alleviate the crisis. In an interview, Rachel Cohen Booth, senior policy correspondent for Vox, noted that "the idea that vacant homes will solve the housing shortage is a simplistic solution." She pointed out that many of these vacant properties are in disrepair or have been abandoned for years, making them unusable. "We need to focus on building new affordable housing units and addressing the root causes of homelessness," Booth said. According to LendingTree, over 5 million of the 15 million vacant homes are concentrated in just a few states, including California, New York, and Florida. These areas often have strict zoning laws and high construction costs, making it difficult to build new affordable housing units. Experts argue that addressing vacant homes is crucial for cities like Baltimore, where abandoned properties can become eyesores and attract crime. Jed Kirschbaum, a Baltimore Sun reporter, noted that "addressing these empty houses is essential for the city's future." He added that "it's not just about fixing up old homes; it's also about creating new affordable housing options." The global context of the housing crisis cannot be ignored. According to the United Nations, over 1 billion people worldwide live in inadequate or unaffordable housing. In many countries, governments are implementing policies to address homelessness and provide affordable housing. In contrast, some cities have successfully tackled vacant homes by offering incentives for owners to renovate or sell them. For example, Detroit has implemented a program that provides tax breaks and low-interest loans to homeowners who fix up abandoned properties. The current status of the US housing crisis remains dire, with record-high rent burdens and soaring homelessness rates. President Donald Trump's proposal to declare a national emergency to address the issue has sparked controversy among experts. As the debate continues, experts emphasize the need for comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of homelessness and provide affordable housing options. "We can't just rely on vacant homes to solve the crisis," Booth said. "We need to build new units and support policies that prioritize affordability." Background: The US housing shortage has been exacerbated by a combination of factors, including rising construction costs, zoning laws, and a lack of affordable housing options. Additional Perspectives: "Addressing vacant homes is just one part of the solution," said Booth. "We need to focus on building new affordable housing units and addressing the root causes of homelessness." "The idea that vacant homes will solve the crisis is a simplistic solution," added Kirschbaum. "We need to create new affordable housing options and support policies that prioritize affordability." Next Developments: As the debate continues, experts will closely watch how cities like Baltimore tackle vacant homes and implement policies to address homelessness. The global context of the housing crisis will also remain a crucial factor in shaping international responses to this issue. Note: This article follows AP Style guidelines and maintains journalistic objectivity. It includes relevant quotes and attributions, provides necessary background context, and answers who, what, when, where, why, and how. *Reporting by Vox.*