**Why Preserving Housing is Now as Critical as Building It
👉 #AffordableHousing2025 #RealEstateStrategies #HousingCrisisFix
🚪 Hook: One Family, One Story
Last fall, a single mother in Liberty Township, Ohio, came close to eviction as her rent climbed faster than her paycheck. Her story might have ended in displacement—but it didn’t. Thanks to April Housing’s efforts to resyndicate a 204-unit affordable community, she’s still in her home, paying a rent she can afford, and building stability for her kids.
This is one of thousands of stories happening across the U.S. where policy, private investment, and preservation efforts converge to combat a deepening crisis. So what are the experts saying about where we go from here?
👷♀️ Expert Advice: 3 Leaders Shaping the Affordable Housing Future
🧠 **1. Paul Fiorilla – Director of Research, Yardi Matrix
“Affordable housing completions will peak in 2025 at over 78,000 units, a 12.6% increase year-over-year—but that still won’t meet demand. What’s critical now is supporting pipeline projects and protecting existing stock.”
📌 Takeaway: Investors and developers need to act fast to secure funding and entitlements before rates and costs shift again. Speed matters.
🧠 **2. Alice Carr – CEO, April Housing
“Preservation is just as important as new development. In just one year, we’ve kept 1,500 units affordable in seven communities—and that’s only the beginning.”
📌 Takeaway: Don’t ignore the value in acquisition and rehab strategies. Work with local housing agencies to identify aging properties at risk of flipping to market rate.
🧠 **3. David Pocock – Independent Senator, Australia
“Politicians are scared to upset the status quo. But without bold moves, we’ll continue pricing out entire generations.”
📌 Takeaway: Local real estate leaders should support or run for housing commissions or zoning boards. Advocacy at the city level is powerful and often overlooked.
📊 Stats That Matter for 2025
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🏗️ Completions Up: 78,377 new units projected in 2025 — +12.6% YoY
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📉 Starts Down: 2024 construction starts fell by 28.7%, signaling future shortfalls
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💸 Market Gap: In Boston, median market rent is $3,200 vs affordable average at $1,800/month
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🌍 CLT Growth: Over 308 active Community Land Trusts in 2024 — up from 289 in 2021
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes a home “affordable” by federal standards?
A: Housing is considered affordable when it costs no more than 30% of a household’s income, including rent and utilities.
Q: Why are construction starts down if completions are up?
A: Many completions are legacy projects started years prior. 2024's steep decline in starts may lead to a housing supply dip by 2026–2027.
Q: What’s a Community Land Trust (CLT)?
A: A nonprofit structure that owns land and leases it long-term to preserve affordability, preventing private flipping and speculation.
Q: How can small developers get into affordable housing?
A: Look into LIHTC partnerships, and buy-and-rehab projects in collaboration with local housing nonprofits or land banks.
Q: What's the fastest way for an agent to specialize in affordable housing?
A: Start by networking with public housing authorities, nonprofit developers, and attending city planning meetings where new RFPs are announced.
🛠️ Tactical Playbook: What You Can Do Now
✅ Developers: Explore LIHTC-backed preservation projects with local partners. Rehab is faster than ground-up.
✅ Investors: Diversify into public-private ventures that offer long-term stability and ESG upside.
✅ Agents & Brokers: Learn how to navigate affordable housing lotteries and certification—it’s a growing niche.
✅ Policy Advocates: Champion zoning reform and fee transparency like Colorado’s latest renter protection bill.
🔗 3 Timely Reads You Shouldn’t Miss This Week
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Colorado Targets Excessive Landlord Fees to Help Renters
New legislation cracks down on landlord-imposed costs to ease affordability pressure.
👉 See more on Axios -
April Housing Expands Preservation Strategy in Ohio
204-unit community preserved for 30 more years under April Housing’s national affordable housing initiative.
👉 Full story on AprilHousing.com -
Community Land Trusts Gain National Momentum
CLTs are becoming vital in preserving permanent affordability across the country.
👉 Read it on TIME
🔖 Final Word
The affordable housing crisis isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people. From Liberty Township to Los Angeles, families are counting on creative real estate professionals, bold policymakers, and investors who prioritize long-term impact.
2025 may be a turning point. Will you be part of the solution?
🟦 #AffordableHousing2025
🟨 #PreservationIsPower
🟥 #RealEstateWithImpact
🟩 #CommunityDrivenDevelopment
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