The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) is dedicated to enhancing access to quality, affordable homes. Through intensive research, they shape housing policies and unite varied experts to brainstorm housing solutions. While the JCHS is now smaller than in past decades, its influence has grown, linking to both national and international networks. Their focus spans critical areas like global urbanism and sustainability, and their efforts benefit scholars, industry leaders, and policymakers. Furthermore, they remain committed to educating future housing leaders, maintaining robust academic connections across the university landscape.
Even as homeowners and renters encounter rising costs, the housing markets persist in slowing down.
The well-respected Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies carefully crafted the 2023 “State of the Nation’s Housing” report. The state of housing markets has shifted significantly, characterized by a cooling trend even while costs for homeowners and renters soar. As sales, construction, and home price appreciation wane, the rental sphere too reports reduced rent growth and an uptick in vacancies. Despite these changes, both home prices and rents remain considerably high when compared to pre-pandemic figures. This dynamic has created a challenging landscape, particularly for millions who now find homeownership beyond reach, while also grappling with the burden of housing costs. These challenges are acutely felt by communities of color. This situation underscores the pressing need for policy-driven solutions addressing the core housing shortfall that’s spurring the affordability crisis. Concurrently, it’s imperative to invest in communities historically underserved, adapt to impending climate change risks, and broaden housing options to cater to the aging demographic, ensuring they age securely within their communities.