Housing supply is kept artificially low; this a generally-accepted fact. "Assuming they are plotting a corporate takeover" is hardly misguided. It's an already

Housing supply is kept artificially low; this a generally-accepted fact. "Assuming they are plotting a corporate takeover" is hardly misguided. It's an already-well-trod and completely-legal path for banks and developers to take, and they stand to make money hand over fist for it. And if you're saying that no-one in government would support them in this then I have a bridge to sell you. If anything, assuming they wouldn't do it is misguided.