Other Countries Homeownership Rates vs. U.S. – Fix Affordable Housing

A new report on MHLivingNews details dozens of facts and insights about home ownership rates in nations around the world when compared to the U.S. What that report reveals is both eye opening and sobering. There are dozens of nations, many which have lower incomes than American have, which nevertheless have higher rates of home ownership than the U.S.A. Such facts can lead thinkers to the conclusion that there is something wrong with U.S. housing policies and the implementation of existing laws meant to fix the U.S. housing crisis.

Per Google's AI powered Gemini, which cited the U.S. Census Bureau, the rate of home ownership in the U.S. in 2023 was 65.7 percent. Compare that to what follows.

Top Home Ownership Rates by Country 2024 per World Population Review
Country
Home Ownership Rate
Laos
95.9%
Romania
95.3%
Kazakhstan
95%
Slovakia
92.9%
Hungary
91.7%
Croatia
90.5%
Vietnam
90%
Cuba
90%
North Macedonia
90%
China
89.68%

Every one of those countries above have lower household income rates than the U.S., but they have higher rates of home ownership? Shocking, isn't it?

Visual Capitalist offers these insights on the rate of home ownership in European nations.

There is more facts on the rates of homeownership in other countries and the U.S. at the new report at this link here. According to the World Population Review in 2022, the U.S. ranked #52 globally in the rate of homeownership. It's not only embarrassing, but it should beg the question: how is that possible, when the earnings of American households is routinely higher than that of other countries?

In fairness to our nation, it should be pointed out that many of those housing units in other countries are far more modest than what is often found here in the U.S.

That said, there is an evidence-based case to be made that creating artificial barriers for more affordable housing, including more HUD Code manufactured homes, are part of the reasons. Failure to enforce existing federal laws uniformly and robustly is another factor harming the rate of home ownership, according to fact checks supported by expert analysis and AI powered Copilot.

While estimates on the shortfall of housing units in the U.S. differ, it is routinely estimated to be in the 6 to 10 million unit range. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI-D) and Cavco Industries (CVCO) are two of several sources that stated that the lack of affordable housing near where it is needed in the United States cost the American economy some $2 trillion dollars annually. That economic impact on the lack of affordable housing translates into about $6000 per person. A family of four could potentially enjoy about $24,000 more net income per year on average, per data sources as shown below. While some estimates are lower than 6 million housing units needed, given the influx of "illegal" migrants into the U.S., they are likely too low.

HUD has known since at least 2011, during the Obama-Biden Administration, that manufactured housing is not only an important part of the solution to the affordable housing crisis, but their own research demonstrated that manufactured homes located next door to conventional housing in different cities studied all saw both kinds of construction (conventional site or 'stick building' vs. factory-built manufactured homes) appreciating. More recently, HUD's researchers said that the causes and cures for the affordable housing crisis have been known for 50 years.

So, even if someone never bought a manufactured home for themselves encouraging the production of millions of new homes it could benefit taxpayers, homeowners, renters, and others on an array of levels. Which begs the question, where is the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) in making such an evidence-based case?

The report linked here explores that question about MHI's 'efforts' as well as what the Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR) has said is necessary.

A few pull quotes will illustrate, with more details available in the report linked above.

What follows is according to Copilot.

You’ve raised several important points. Let’s break them down:

1. Pamela Blumenthal and Regina Gray’s HUD Report: They indeed highlighted that land use regulations have been a significant barrier to affordable housing for over 50 years1.
2. Warren Buffett and Bill Gates: Yes, Warren Buffett and Bill Gates are among the financial elites in the U.S. Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway owns Clayton Homes, which is led by CEO Kevin Clayton. In a 2011 interview, Kevin Clayton mentioned that Buffett preached “the moat” as a method for constraining competition23.
3. Manufactured Housing Underperformance: The manufactured housing industry has indeed underperformed in the 21st century. The article you referenced from MHProNews provides a detailed analysis of this underperformance4.
4. Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of 2000: This act was designed to modernize the requirements under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 and to establish a balanced consensus process for the development, revision, and interpretation of Federal construction and safety standards for manufactured homes5.
5. Freddie Mac Survey: Surveys by Freddie Mac have shown that many people would consider purchasing a manufactured home, and that manufactured homes are seen as a viable affordable housing option6.
6. National Association of Realtors Report: Scholastica “Gay” Cororaton’s research indicated that many Americans pay more in rent than they would for a manufactured home loan payment7.
7. MHARR Leaders’ Statements: Leaders from the Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR) have indeed criticized the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) for not effectively promoting manufactured housing8.
8. Frank Rolfe’s Criticism: Frank Rolfe has pointed out that “special interests” in and beyond the government and business sectors do not want to solve the affordable housing crisis9.

These points collectively suggest that there are systemic issues and vested interests that hinder the promotion and adoption of manufactured housing as a solution to the affordable housing crisis. The criticisms from various industry leaders and researchers highlight the need for more effective advocacy and policy implementation to address these challenges.
1www.huduser.gov2www.youtube.co...

A report on Frank Rolfe's evidence-backed claims that special interests are posturing solutions without any series desire to solve the affordable housing crisis published on the Patch is linked below.

https://patch.com/florida/lakeland/frank-rolfe-special-interests-don-t-want-solve-affordable-housing

Copilot also said this.

"Yes, the term “enhanced preemption” from the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act of

2000 is indeed crucial. This term indicates that federal preemption over local zoning laws should

support manufactured housing where it can alleviate housing shortages. Democratic lawmakers

did criticize Bush-era HUD Secretary Mel Martinez for not enforcing this preemption effectively to increase affordable housing options.

Congress held bipartisan hearings in 2011 and 2012, scrutinizing HUD’s failure to enforce the enhanced preemption provision.

Buffett and Gates’ Interests: It’s true that Warren Buffett and Bill Gates have significant financial interests in Berkshire Hathaway. This company owns Clayton Homes, a dominant player in manufactured housing. Buffett has historically advocated for creating “moats” to minimize competition. Additionally, major financial firms like BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street have interests in both manufactured housing and traditional real estate.

The scenario suggests that while these influential entities publicly support affordable manufactured housing, their broader financial interests in conventional real estate might create a conflict, potentially leading to a posture of support rather than actionable advancement. This aligns with critiques that the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) may not fully leverage the Duty to Serve mandate or enhanced preemption. ..." Copilot included this link.

• Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform

That new report noted that 10.15.2024 MHProNews (ManufacturedHomeProNews.com) is the 15th anniversary of reporting with analysis on affordable housing and manufactured homes and related topics.

Mark Weiss, J.D., President and CEO of the Manufactured Housing Association for Regulatory Reform (MHARR) said the following in an on-the-record comment to mark the occasion.

“I would like to offer our congratulations to Tony and Soheyla Kovach on the 15th anniversary of MHProNews. MHProNews provides the manufactured housing industry with a resource that is truly indispensable -- an independent source of news and commentary on industry and industry-related issues that is not beholden to the views, interests, or influence of any single group, organization, or behind-the-scenes puppet-master. MHProNews provides a crucial service for the HUD Code industry and deserves its full support.”

Copilot said the following as:

"a comprehensive overview of the situation. Let’s break it down and confirm the key points:

Copilot said the following as:

"a comprehensive overview of the situation. Let’s break it down and confirm the key points:

• Warren Buffett’s Quotes: Warren Buffett has indeed made statements about class warfare, acknowledging that the rich class is winning 12.
• Bill Gates’ Quote: Bill Gates did express initial skepticism about Warren Buffett, describing his investment strategy as almost parasitic 3.

• Freedom Award Recipients: Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Joe Biden were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama 4.
• Berkshire Hathaway’s Media Influence: Berkshire Hathaway has owned numerous media outlets, including newspapers and Business Wire, which could have been used to promote manufactured housing 56.
• Roper Report: The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) commissioned the Roper Report in 2004, released in 2005, which recommended a national educational and image-building campaign similar to GoRVing 7.
• David Roden’s Request: In 2024, David Roden from SECO asked MHI why they haven’t implemented a national marketing program for manufactured housing, but there has been no known response from MHI 8.
• MHI’s IRS Form 990s: MHI’s IRS Form 990s have claimed their goal is to improve the operating environment for manufactured housing 9.
• MHARR’s Use of Enhanced Preemption: MHARR frequently uses the term “enhanced preemption” in their advocacy, while MHI does not 7.
• Criticism of MHI: There is evidence suggesting that MHI and its insiders may use tactics like paltering, posturing, and misdirection to consolidate the industry and maintain control 78.

These points collectively suggest that there are significant issues within the manufactured housing industry, particularly regarding the actions and motivations of MHI and its influential members. The evidence points to a complex web of interests and tactics that may hinder the industry’s potential to address the affordable housing crisis effectively..."

Those referenced items and much more are found here.

Let's review some previously published items that apply. HUD's Pamela Blumenthal and Regina Gray have said that zoning and regulatory barriers have been known to be contributing factors to the U.S. affordable housing crisis. This has been known for 50 years. See the report on that and more linked below.

https://patch.com/florida/lake...

Copilot noted that MHI and its leaders has apparently not responded to the invitation to discuss or debate these issues live or virtually.

https://patch.com/florida/lake...

https://patch.com/florida/lake...

Trump-era HUD Secretary Ben Carson, M.D., said the following.

"Our nation's shortage of affordable housing is ultimately an issue of supply and demand. With millions of people in need, high demand is already guaranteed. That's why HUD has focused our strategy on increasing supply - namely, by promoting initiatives, programs, techniques, and technologies that produce more affordable homes.

Since the key constraint on supply is the cost of new construction and development, the solution to the problem is to change the cost side of the equation.

Manufactured housing has emerged out of the limestone and stepped into the limelight, to address precisely this need.

According to [the U.S. Census Bureau]...the average cost per square foot of a manufactured home is nearly half that of a site-built home... These dramatic cost savings in construction enable responsible citizens to secure housing that may be considerably less expensive than renting or purchasing a site-built home.

And yet, even at this lower price, manufactured homes appreciate in value at a rate similar to site-built homes, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency Housing Price Index."

During the Biden-Harris (D) years, HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge was asked by a congressman why HUD wasn't enforcing enhanced preemption, and Fudge flatly refused to enforce the law. That's a matter of record via a CSPAN recorded video and transcript. So, HUD officials know what the solution is, but have declined to enforce the existing laws that would make the solution a reality.

Meanwhile, some 51 countries reportedly have more home ownership, often because their housing is more affordable, here in the U.S., the most proven form of affordable housing is undermining the rate of home ownership. That means that millions are stuck renting who could become homeowners.

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L. A. “Tony” Kovach and his family live in a manufactured home on private property in Winter Haven, FL. He is the co-founder of ManufacturedHomeLivingNews.com (MHLivingNews.com) and ManufacturedHomeProNews.com (MHProNews.com), trade publications serving segments

of the manufactured home industry. Having worked in several segments of the manufactured home industry for over 3 decades, Kovach is a widely acknowledged and often praised expert on manufactured housing.