You may have noticed that we have a pretty important election approaching here in the United States. There are many compelling reasons for Americans to vote this November, not least the need to protect democracy and reproductive rights. However, alongside these major issues, another normally minor topic is gaining substantial attention, particularly among Democrats: housing has become a critical election issue, so much so that Kamala Harris’s first economic policy statement calls for the construction of 3 million new homes over the next four years.

Her focus on housing recognises that, just like in the UK, the high costs of renting or buying a home are significant contributors to the persistent economic unease many people feel. These costs are also keeping inflation stubbornly high, despite the overall strength of the economy. No amount of economic stimulus or interest rate cuts alone can resolve this issue—only the construction of more homes can.

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