re: Average Sq Ft of homes by decade

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Comparing size of houses is pretty dumb way to gauge this.

Comparing price per sq ft would be more accurate.

Also those numbers are average size of new built homes. Pretty important distinction IMO

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I totally agree here. If you compare $/sqft cost from throughout history to now and also could account for the features installed now (HVAC,etc) that were not standard back then,

At that point if the numbers say that affordability is worse now, then I would change my argument. But the conversation has not been apples to apples to up to this point.

Now compare “basic amenities” by decade and we can have a rational discussion with all the youngsters bitching about comparative expense and spewing generational hate.

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Why lower the price when mortgage is so low that profit can be made from renting?

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Renting is more economically efficient as rents has fallen WAY below mortgage costs in this time period.

The AirBNB economy imploding is affecting this, too.

That philosophy worked in the post-Covid era but it's flipped now, which is also causing lots of negative pressure on home values.

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1950: 983

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I'm assuming that were those post WWII houses they threw up in the suburbs?

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Now compare “basic amenities” by decade and we can have a rational discussion with all the youngsters bitching about comparative expense and spewing generational hate.

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Name them.

Because size and central air are the only things that are "basic" that have changed since the 70s.

70s homes had electricity, plumbing, floors, garages, showers, full kitchens,etc.

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Here is a good article detailing what you are trying to argue: LINK

Essentially, the only true feature that is standard today that was not standard in 70s is central air. But even adjusting for the price of central air, affordability was still somewhere between 17-31% higher today (or 2024 when the article was written).

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Good read. "Bottom line: even adjusting for the fact that homes are bigger and have central air conditioning today, they are still 17 percent more expensive than 1971 in terms of the time price."

I can start to buy this argument now. Albeit 17% is not an astronomical difference as some would like to imply.

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Name them.

Because size and central air are the only things that are "basic" that have changed since the 70s.

70s homes had electricity, plumbing, floors, garages, showers, full kitchens,etc.

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I think he is talking about amenities and services provided by the government and/or service providers that were not standard back then. Things outside of just home cost. Things like internet, reliable infrastructure.

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AirBNB economy imploding is affecting this, too.

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That shitshow needs a reset.

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Renting is more economically efficient as rents has fallen WAY below mortgage costs in this time period.

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It is working out for me atm, but I sure would like to unload that house. Prices need to come down so I am not the a-hole selling below area average.

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The AirBNB economy imploding is affecting this, too.

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Most people were just dumb with that. They all wanted to maximize bed space to maximize rental price. I have a couple short term rentals (not in this country). Stick to room for a family of 4 - 5 tops (two bedrooms). You won't be the highest rental price, but you will stay full through the season.

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That philosophy worked in the post-Covid era but it's flipped now, which is also causing lots of negative pressure on home values.

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Prices need to drop and interest rates need to stay at historic norms. I may get screwed on my house here, but I can absorb the cost. It is better for the market as a whole IMHO.

I got too excited defended the modest upbringing I had. We never felt poor. Dad made a great living providing the 6 of us a warm home and also paid for college costs if we wanted.