An analysis by real-estate listing website Trulia in the 20 highest-priced U.S. housing markets from 1996 to 2006 found that residential property values near low-income housing were not significantly impacted.
The study looked at more than 3,000 low-income housing projects and their surrounding neighborhoods. Home values within 2,000 feet of low-income housing projects were largely the same as homes between 2,000 and 4,000 feet from these projects.
Some of the least affordable markets have experienced resistance to building affordable housing, with some opponents claiming these projects depreciate nearby home values. Opposition to affordable housing development has surfaced in tight housing markets across the country such as San Francisco, New York, and Seattle.
San Jose, Calif., was the most aggressive in adding low-income housing units (7.81 per 1,000 people) during the decade, Trulia says. By contrast, Oakland, (0.52 per 1,000 residents) added the fewest units per capita.
Of the 20 markets examined, Denver was the only metro area where homes located near low-income housing projects experienced an increase in price per square foot after a project was completed. In Boston and Cambridge, Mass., however, low-income housing projects had a negative effect on the value of nearby homes, suggesting a region-specific market effect. Affordable housing projects in most of the other areas had no significant impact on home values.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2015
Los Angeles launches ‘Drop 100′ campaign to reduce water use in commercial buildings
Goal is to save 100 million gallons annually.
Codes and Standards | Dec 1, 2015
More than 50 design, construction, and real estate firms urge action on climate change
Call for policymakers to move on one of the ‘greatest economic opportunities of the 21st Century’
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2015
Chicago suburb considers bird collision deterrent requirement on all new buildings
The rule would mandate that new commercial, multifamily structures comply with LEED pilot program.
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2015
Anchorage may raise building height restrictions that would block precious winter sunlight
Controversial measure is part of plan to spur development.
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2015
Appellate court enacts nationwide stay on controversial expansion of Clean Water Act
New EPA rule suspended until court cases settled.
Codes and Standards | Oct 9, 2015
New California law means commercial building benchmarking program will be implemented
Multifamily housing to be included, a first for a U.S. state.
Codes and Standards | Oct 2, 2015
New ASHRAE guideline for commissioning existing systems and assemblies
Focuses on optimum facility and system operation.
Codes and Standards | Sep 18, 2015
New RELi standard addresses disaster resilience
Based on LEED model, may help lower insurance rates
Building Materials | Aug 28, 2015
Structural steel buildings specification available for second public review
Next year's specification open for comments until Sept. 21
Energy Efficiency | Aug 28, 2015
North American Passive House Network e-book explains Passivhaus, net-zero techniques
Free guide includes spotlight on individual projects