>>1966687>The unfortunate reality that urbanists fail to recognize is that housing prices always go upDumb and wrong take. It's determined by supply and demand. Japan has kept a flatlined housing CPI for 25 years, which according to you is impossible. It was possible because Japan's national government determines both land use zones and actual building codes, and oversee apportionment of those zones by cities. Cities can divvy up what land is zoned, but that requires approval from the national government to ensure they aren't shortchanging their own housing stock. In short, the national government ensures there is enough housing in a given area to meet demand and keep prices in check. This is why in Japan housing is treated like any other disposable commodity, rather than a long term investment as it is in the US or Canada.
