Economics Explained

A Short Story About Why You Cannot Buy A House

December 2, 2025·12 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Home ownership is now unattainable in every major city worldwide. For the first time, none of the 95 cities tracked by Demographia are considered affordable. In cities such as Hong Kong (14.4 times income), Sydney (13.8 times), Vancouver, London, and San Francisco, housing prices range from 9 to 30 times the average household income. Essential workers, including teachers and nurses, as well as young families, are being priced out of the cities they support. This raises critical questions about how housing became a leading investment asset, whether prices will continue to rise, and what measures are needed to address the global housing crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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