A controversial proposal has incited new debate about the causes of Vancouver's skyrocketing housing prices. Potential solutions depend on an accurate diagnosis.
The debate over foreign ownership of real estate is heating up in Vancouver, after B.C. Greens leader Andrew Weaver called for the city to limit property ownership to Canadian residents.
The CBC News broke the news about Weaver's proposal on January 9, noting that Weaver is following the model provided by New Zealand. "B.C. Finance Minister Carole James says the government is looking at different options to cool the housing market but a ban on foreign investors isn't one of them," according to the article.
Clare Hennig writes a follow up article, focusing mostly on the case against real estate protectionism. "Nathan Lauster, an associate professor of sociology at UBC and a blogger on city issues, says banning foreign investment misses the larger issue of local real estate speculation," writes Hennig.
Recent news picked up Planetizen on the subject of Vancouver's housing market, and the policies crafted in response, would seem to support the words of both James and Lauster. In December 2017, the city released a major housing policy package that focuses on the rental market for solutions. In November, market analysis showed that a 2016 law taxing foreign real estate buyers had not managed to reduce housing prices in the city.
FULL STORY: It's 'really problematic' to blame foreigners for housing crisis, says UBC sociologist
Luxury Condos for Sale in Vancouver as Non-Resident Owners Balk at New Taxes
A tax on non-resident property owners is working as it's intended, as a wave of luxury condo units hit the real estate market all over the city of Vancouver.
Analysis: Vancouver Housing Affordability Worsens Despite Foreign Buyer Tax
The trends in the Vancouver housing market have reverted back to normal, after a foreign buyers tax that went into effect in 2016 had an initial effect on parts of the market.
Fast-Rising Rents: Cause or Effect of Institutional Real Estate Investors?
More media attention for the growing influence of large, institutional investors on the housing market.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
USDOT Revokes Approval for NYC Congestion Pricing
Despite the administration’s stated concern for the “working class,” 85 percent of Manhattan commuters use public transit to enter the city.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
Preserving Altadena’s Trees: A Community Effort to Save a Fire-Damaged Landscape
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena Green is working to preserve fire-damaged but recoverable trees, advocating for better assessment processes, educating homeowners, and protecting the community’s urban canopy from unnecessary removal.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Investigation Reveals Just How Badly California’s Homeless Shelters are Failing
Fraud, violence, death, and chaos follow a billion dollar investment in a temporary solution that is proving ineffective.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research