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Harolg's avatar

Could you perhaps do a post comparing and contrasting the housing market to markets for other goods where fierce competition actually does push down prices?

For example:

- flatscreen TVs, which originally cost $20k and can now be found at Aldi for $200. Where advancements in screen technology permitted constant cost cutting, and no gov-granted monopoly barriers to entry exist

- the avocado market where we’re now hearing about a glut, also where competition can’t isn’t blocked by licensing or protectionism

Additionally, you’ve articulated when property owners naturally behave collusively to set the “speed limit” on new properties entering the market.

Could you perhaps explain when that behaviour could break down, like in severe economic downturn or banking system collapse like those seen in Japan, Ireland or Detroit?

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drsmithy's avatar

Aggressively taxing land that is zoned residential, purchased, but sitting untouched for a length of time (say, a year) seems like an obvious starting point.

Allow a single block exception for individuals.

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