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
| Sep 20, 2012
AGC awarded federal grant to provide fall-protection safety program
The Associated General Contractors of America will continue to provide fall protection safety training next year after being awarded a federal safety grant.
| Sep 20, 2012
East Lansing officials accused of ignoring unauthorized project that led to partial building collapse
The unauthorized construction of a fifth-floor penthouse on a downtown East Lansing, Mich. mixed-use development led to a partial building collapse earlier this year.
| Sep 20, 2012
Reflective roofs could reduce rainfall in Arizona
Green standards may have to take into account the impact of reflective roofs on rainfall in the desert Southwest.
| Sep 20, 2012
Earth Advantage Institute offers green certification for small commercial buildings
Earth Advantage Institute announced a new green building certification aimed at new or substantially remodeled small commercial buildings built to green standards.
| Sep 14, 2012
To create more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, Chicago unveils safety plan
As more urban mixed-use and residential developments aim to encourage residents to walk and use mass transit, cities are addressing pedestrian safety.
| Sep 14, 2012
Worker killed in Brooklyn building collapse; overloaded floor decking blamed
One worker was killed after he and others plunged 40 feet through an unfinished upscale Brooklyn townhouse building.
| Sep 14, 2012
NRCA University offers photovoltaic class
NRCA University will offer a class called “Photovoltaic Roof Systems: Energizing Your Business” Oct. 16 in Philadelphia.
| Sep 14, 2012
Costa Rica’s strict building codes prevent major damage in powerful quake
The relatively little damage from a 7.6 earthquake was due in large part to strict building codes in Costa Rica, a country that has long enjoyed more stability, better governance, and stronger economic development than many of its Central American neighbors.
| Sep 14, 2012
Building codes should require continuous connection from roof to foundation, says IBHS chief
“One of the most effective ways to greatly increase a building’s strength and safety during hurricanes, tornadoes and straight-line windstorms is to be sure the building is tied together properly,” says Julie Rochman, president and CEO of the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS).
| Sep 7, 2012
Related Companies and unions agree to wage-cutting deal on Hudson Yards
The Related Companies has won wage-cutting agreements with four dozen construction unions in its efforts to save money on the $15 billion development of Hudson Yards.
