In my last article, we stepped back from the headlines and looked at what really drives affordability. Not political sound bites. Not whether prices should go up or down. Just the fundamentals. Supply, construction costs, financing, and whether the monthly math works for everyday families.
Once you see it that way, the next question becomes obvious. If those are the levers, how do we actually move them? Just “build more homes” sounds simple until you talk to a builder who cannot make the numbers work. There is no big red easy button, but the good news is that affordability usually improves through a series of small, practical, common-sense steps in the right direction.
Here are the levers that consistently make a difference.
1. Allow more homes on the land we already have
One of the fastest ways to lower costs is simply making better use of existing neighborhoods. Duplexes, townhomes, small infill projects, or accessory units spread the cost of land across more households. Roads, schools, and utilities are already in place, so adding homes becomes less expensive and more efficient. It is simple math, and it quietly expands supply where people already want to live.
2. Speed up permitting and approvals
Time is one of the most expensive parts of construction. When projects sit in review for a year or more, carrying costs pile up and smaller homes stop penciling out. When the process is predictable and timely, more builders are willing to take on modest, attainable housing. Sometimes affordability improves simply because we remove friction.
3. Grow the skilled trades workforce
We do not just have a housing shortage. We have a labor shortage. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, framers. The people who physically build homes. When there are not enough of them, costs rise and projects slow down. Expanding apprenticeships and trade programs creates good-paying jobs and helps more homes get built faster. It is one of the rare solutions that supports both workers and buyers at the same time.
4. Make smaller homes financially viable again
For years, the market rewarded bigger houses because that is where margins were strongest. But many buyers do not need that much space. Communities that reduce fees or create incentives for modest homes often see more starter and downsizer options return. And those changes don’t just happen at city hall. They happen when residents and local professionals show up, ask for smarter fee structures, and support thoughtful projects. A few steady, informed voices can make it financially possible for builders to create the kinds of homes many families are actually looking for.
5. Target buyer assistance toward new supply
Helping buyers is important, but broad assistance without new inventory can increase competition for the same limited homes. Programs tied to newly built or newly added homes are often available through lenders, local housing authority initiatives, city and county homebuyer programs, and builder partnerships. Buyers should ask their lender about incentives for new construction, check city and county housing assistance websites, and work with an agent who understands local programs that apply when inventory is being added to the market. In many cases, builders themselves can point buyers to matching incentives, and nonprofit housing groups can help navigate options too.
6. Lower the monthly cost of ownership
Affordability is not just the sale price. It is the monthly bills that follow. Insurance, taxes, utilities, and maintenance all shape whether a home feels manageable.Energy rebates from local utilities, insurance discounts for safety upgrades, and property tax credits or assessment appeals are often overlooked tools that can quietly lower monthly costs. Sometimes the simplest way to improve affordability is simply to shrink what goes out each month.
7. Remember that everyday residents have influence too
It is easy to assume housing decisions belong only to developers or policymakers. In reality, many local choices are shaped by a surprisingly small number of voices.
If you want to make a difference, there are simple places to start. Show up at a planning or city council meeting when housing is on the agenda. Speak in favor of thoughtful, well-designed projects instead of defaulting to no. Encourage young people to explore careers in the trades. Support builders creating modest homes. If it fits your situation, consider adding a small rental or multigenerational space on your own property.
None of these actions feels huge on its own. Together, they add up quickly.
Housing markets change from the ground up, not the top down. Neighbors influence what gets built, what gets approved, and what becomes possible. A few steady, supportive voices can open the door for hundreds of future homes. In other words, you do not have to wait for someone else to fix it. You can help move the needle right where you live.
Affordable housing is not about waiting for the perfect policy. It’s about stacking practical wins: a few more homes here, a faster permit there, a few more skilled workers entering the field. It’s not flashy, but it’s progress, and progress is something we can actually influence.
Karen Moeller
🌐 STLKaren.com
📧 Karen.McNeill@STLRE.com
📞 314.678.7866
About the Author:
Karen Moeller is a St. Louis area REALTOR® with MORE, REALTORS® and a regular contributor to St. Louis Real Estate News, helping clients make informed, data-driven decisions.
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