How To Make Housing More Affordable Without A Market Crash (According To Gregor Robertson)

Hugo van Dijk

5 min read

Post on May 27, 2025

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Keywords: affordable housing, housing affordability, housing market crash, Gregor Robertson, Vancouver housing, sustainable urban development, housing crisis, housing policy, rental housing, homeownership

The housing crisis is a global challenge, with many cities grappling with soaring prices and a lack of affordable options. A market crash is not the solution; it would only exacerbate the problem. Former Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, during his tenure, championed a multi-pronged approach to increasing housing affordability without triggering a market collapse. His strategies offer valuable insights for cities worldwide struggling to address the complex issue of affordable housing. This article explores his key approaches and how they can be adapted to other urban contexts.

Increasing Housing Supply Through Innovative Zoning and Development

Addressing the housing affordability crisis requires a significant increase in the supply of housing units. Robertson's approach focused on innovative zoning and development strategies to achieve this without compromising urban quality.

Rezoning for Density and Mixed-Use Developments

One crucial aspect of Robertson's plan involved rezoning to allow for higher-density housing and mixed-use developments. This means:

• Increasing density in already-developed areas: This minimizes urban sprawl, preserving green spaces and reducing reliance on cars. Smart urban planning is key to successful high-density housing.
• Variety of housing types: Encouraging a mix of condos, townhouses, and rental apartments within the same development caters to diverse needs and budgets.
• Reduced parking minimums: Reducing parking requirements frees up valuable land for more housing units, significantly increasing housing supply and lowering development costs.
• Streamlining development approvals: Reducing bureaucratic hurdles and delays in the development approval process is crucial to expedite the creation of new housing. This involves zoning reform and efficient urban planning processes. These reforms focus on fast-track approvals for projects that meet specific affordability criteria.

Incentivizing Affordable Housing Development

Simply increasing the overall housing supply is not enough; a conscious effort must be made to ensure a portion of that housing is truly affordable. Robertson advocated for several incentives:

• Tax breaks and financial incentives: Offering tax breaks or other financial incentives to developers who include affordable units in their projects directly encourages the creation of affordable housing options.
• Inclusionary zoning: Implementing inclusionary zoning policies, which mandate a certain percentage of affordable units in new developments, guarantees a minimum level of affordable housing within new constructions.
• Innovative financing models: Exploring innovative financing models like community land trusts, where the land is held in perpetuity for affordable housing, ensures long-term affordability. This sustainable approach secures affordable housing for future generations. The density bonus, a common incentive, rewards developers for including more affordable units.

Addressing Speculation and Investment in the Housing Market

Speculation and investment play a significant role in driving up housing prices. Robertson's strategies aimed to curb these factors:

Implementing Measures to Curb Speculation

To cool down a potentially overheated housing market, Robertson suggested several measures to curb speculation:

• Stricter regulations on foreign investment: Regulations limiting foreign investment in the housing market can help prevent artificial inflation of prices.
• Increased property taxes on vacant or underutilized properties: This discourages the practice of holding properties vacant for speculation purposes. A robust vacant property tax can significantly increase the supply of available housing.
• Strengthening regulations against money laundering: Money laundering in real estate transactions inflates prices and distorts the market. Stronger anti-money laundering regulations are essential for market transparency. This ensures fair market practices and prevents manipulation by illicit funds.

Supporting First-Time Homebuyers and Renters

Making homeownership and renting more accessible is another key to alleviating the housing crisis. Key strategies include:

• Expanding government-backed mortgage programs: Government support for first-time homebuyers can significantly reduce the barrier to entry in the housing market.
• Increasing funding for affordable rental housing initiatives: Investing in affordable rental housing provides much-needed housing options for those who cannot afford homeownership. This strategy directly addresses the needs of renters in the affordable housing market.
• Rent control or tenant protection measures: Rent control or other measures to protect tenants from excessive rent increases can improve housing affordability for renters. These measures are crucial in stabilizing rental markets and preventing displacement.

Investing in Public Transportation and Infrastructure

Improving public transportation and infrastructure can significantly impact housing affordability by reducing reliance on car ownership, a major factor driving up housing costs in many areas.

Improving Accessibility and Reducing Transportation Costs

Investments in public transit and active transportation infrastructure have a considerable effect on housing affordability:

• Expanding public transit networks: Investing in buses, subways, and light rail increases accessibility, reduces commuting times and costs, and allows people to live further from their workplaces without relying on cars. This promotes transit-oriented development, where housing is built near public transportation hubs.
• Improving cycling infrastructure: Creating safe and convenient cycling infrastructure encourages active transportation, reducing the need for car ownership and associated costs. This promotes active transportation and helps create healthier communities.
• Reducing reliance on private vehicles: By making public transport a more attractive option, demand for car-dependent housing will decrease, leading to more diverse and affordable housing options. This decreases demand for larger, more expensive houses that prioritize car parking space.

Conclusion

Gregor Robertson's vision for affordable housing hinges on a comprehensive, multifaceted strategy that combines increased housing supply, curbing speculation, and investing in public infrastructure. By implementing these interconnected strategies, cities can effectively address the housing affordability crisis and create more inclusive and sustainable urban environments. The key is a holistic approach that addresses both supply and demand issues simultaneously, creating truly affordable housing options without triggering a market crash. Learn more about creating sustainable and truly affordable housing solutions and explore additional strategies to increase housing affordability.