That would be an unmitigated disaster. For a start, what is the value of all rental properties in the bay area? Lets say it is 15%. So the government either nee

That would be an unmitigated disaster. For a start, what is the value of all rental properties in the bay area? Lets say it is 15%. So the government either needs to come up with 15% of the value of ALL rented houses, or steal them in some unfair way. And can I claim my kids and wife live and own their own houses? What if they are 15? Can I own 5 houses? Starting this alone would be a massive disaster - either economically (fair price paid), morally (lets steal rental properties) or pragmagtically (can we guarantee people won't cheat?). If by a miracle this hump could be got over, it would also lead to massive problems of supply. 100% of new developments having to be sold to owner occupiers, or be paid for by the government, would make it hard to impossible for either side to build much more supply. I can't start a new development unless I am sure I can sell 100% to owners, or the government buys some of the units. Hello massive corruption! Lastly, https://pics.me.me/the-30-second-guide-to-government-spending-buying-something-using-your-25857769.png https://pics.me.me/the-30-second-guide-to-government-spendin... is an example of how people buy. A Government run rental market would have ridiculously impractical houses, as now governments would have the ability to manipulate the housing market for votes. "X government built practical, affordable no frills units, but you hate them. We'll build you all places you love". Disaster number, what, 7? It is just a disaster from every possible, conceivable angle.