A recent poll conducted by Zenith Research and Public Progress Solutions shows Zohran Mamdani leading the field of five candidates with 50% of the vote. The combined support for other candidates, including Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams, along with undecided voters, totaled 49%. The poll, surveying 1,453 New York City residents, demonstrates the largest sample size of publicly released data for the general election thus far. Notably, Mamdani’s support increases in scenarios excluding certain opponents, and the poll highlights key voter concerns such as housing costs, cost of living, and crime.
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Real estate investors are increasing their share of U.S. home purchases, with nearly 27% of homes sold in the first quarter of the year going to investors, the highest in at least five years. This increase reflects a broader slowdown in the housing market, as rising prices and high borrowing costs deter traditional buyers. Investors purchased 265,000 homes during this period, a modest increase from the previous year, and are able to do so by utilizing cash or existing home equity. While mom-and-pop investors dominate the market, there are signs large institutional investors are scaling back purchases.
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As of June 1st, over 18,000 Ukrainians have received housing certificates totaling UAH 27.3 billion for destroyed homes, with approximately 11,000 individuals using the certificates to purchase real estate. Additionally, around 90,000 Ukrainians have received compensation for damaged property, amounting to over UAH 9 billion, with payments categorized for minor and major repairs. The Anti-Corruption Headquarters highlights the importance of establishing a public Register of Damaged and Destroyed Property to centralize and make accessible information on applications and compensation, while safeguarding personal data. The Ministry of Community and Territorial Development also received funds to pay for housing certificates for IDPs.
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Senator Mike Lee’s proposed bill, part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” would mandate the sale of 2.2 to 3.3 million acres of public land in the American West to supposedly fund affordable housing. The proposal has faced significant bipartisan opposition, with critics questioning its effectiveness in addressing the housing crisis and expressing concerns about the loss of public access to these lands. A map released by The Wilderness Society highlighted the potential scope of land sales, prompting Lee to label it misleading, while the Society defended its accuracy. This plan has drawn widespread condemnation from lawmakers, environmental groups, and the public.
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Simultaneous protests against mass tourism erupted across Spain, Italy, and Portugal, fueled by concerns over unaffordable housing, increased living costs, and the disruption of city life. Demonstrations, including one in Barcelona where protesters were encouraged to use water pistols against tourists, highlight the growing tension between residents and the influx of visitors. Organizers cite the negative impacts of overtourism on local culture and businesses, pushing residents out of their neighborhoods due to rising housing prices. The protests come amidst a backdrop of record-breaking tourism numbers in Spain and across Europe.
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In response to World War I, the U.S. government created the United States Housing Corporation, which, between 1918 and 1920, built over 80 planned communities across the nation to house nearly 100,000 workers. These developments, incorporating principles of the Garden City movement, prioritized not just shelter but also community design, including parks, schools, and shops, and emphasized single-family homes, many of which were eventually sold to residents. The Corporation also established national planning and design standards, influencing subsequent housing projects and urban planning practices. Despite its short lifespan, the initiative’s impact on American housing and urban development remains visible today.
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In one Colorado town, people experiencing homelessness can sleep in their cars – but only if they have a job. This seemingly paradoxical situation highlights the stark realities of the affordability crisis, particularly in areas with high seasonal employment and exorbitant housing costs. The town’s approach, while unconventional, provides a temporary solution for those working hard to make ends meet but struggling to find affordable housing.
The sheer number of working individuals forced to live in their vehicles is striking. Think about it: ski instructors, snow plow drivers, nurses, restaurant servers – all essential workers, all contributing to the local economy, all unable to afford even a modest apartment.… Continue reading
Spain’s recent ban on “golden” investor visas for non-EU citizens is a bold move aimed at tackling the country’s escalating housing crisis. The idea behind the ban is straightforward: by restricting the influx of wealthy foreign investors who often purchase properties solely as investments, Spain hopes to free up more housing for its own citizens struggling with affordability.
However, the effectiveness of this measure is a point of much debate. Some argue that the number of properties purchased through these golden visas is relatively small – just a few hundred annually across the whole of Spain – making the ban largely symbolic and unlikely to significantly impact the housing market.… Continue reading
Liberal Leader Mark Carney unveiled a plan to dramatically increase Canada’s housing construction rate to nearly 500,000 new homes annually within the next decade. This involves establishing a new federal agency, Build Canada Homes, to facilitate affordable housing construction and provide over $35 billion in financing to builders. The initiative prioritizes prefabricated and modular housing, along with streamlining municipal regulations to lower building costs. The plan aims to address Canada’s housing affordability crisis while simultaneously boosting job creation and economic growth.
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The Trump administration has halted a $1 billion program designed to preserve affordable housing, jeopardizing crucial upgrades to tens of thousands of low-income housing units across the country. This decision, directed by the Department of Government Efficiency, halts funding for energy efficiency improvements and critical repairs, impacting projects already underway. The termination threatens to destabilize numerous affordable housing projects, as the funding serves as a critical foundation for attracting additional investments. Consequently, many low-income residents face the imminent risk of displacement due to the lack of necessary repairs and renovations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood