All the posts here addressed the immediate cause, zoning and NIMBY. If you look into the issue from the viewpoint of American policy, the US has a long traditio

All the posts here addressed the immediate cause, zoning and NIMBY. If you look into the issue from the viewpoint of American policy, the US has a long tradition of promoting home ownership as it is viewed as promoting a more responsible citizenry who care about their neighborhood and will make good long term decisions. The fact that this stated goal of American policy is out of reach for many means American policy is broken. There are now too many vested interests against new home ownership. If you ask many current homeowners they will tell you they have debt up to their ears. Their one asset is their home which they will borrow against, reverse mortgage, or sell to fund their retirement. That is they will do everything in their power to prevent their homes from losing value.