Empty Nest Households Are on the Rise
Pricey markets and those with weak labor markets have high concentrations of empty nests. Low densities of empty nests are found in booming cities with strong job markets, new family-oriented areas, and retirement communities.
Viewed from Beijing, Even Silicon Valley Housing Looks Affordable
Homes in China’s most expensive metros sell for thousands of dollars more per square meter than homes in San Francisco and San Jose. But incomes in those U.S. metros are four to five times higher than incomes in Beijing.
The Structures of Poverty: Renter Poverty Rates Are Highest in Low-Density Multifamily Units
As the poverty rate among America’s homeowners has trended downward over the past four decades, it has steadily marched upward among renters. Poverty rates are highest among black renters and single parents, and in older, low-density multifamily rental units, which are often found in suburbs.
Key Takeaways from the February New Home Sales Report
New home sales beat expectations, rising 6.1 percent in February to 592,000 units at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It was the strongest month for new home sales since July 2016, and that month aside, the strongest month for new home sales since February 2008.
February Existing Home Sales Key Takeaways: Sales Remain Strong Despite Seasonal Blips
Existing home sales fell in line with expectations in February, dropping 3.7 percent from January to 5.48 million units at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
February Home Sales Forecast: Supply-side Woes Continue
Zillow’s February home sales forecast calls for data released this week to show once again that demand from home buyers remains strong as the market moves toward peak home shopping season.
Live, Work and Play: Where to Maximize Take-Home Pay and Job Opportunities
Where we live has an enormous influence on how we balance the competing demands of living, working and playing. We all (well, most of us) need to work, and communities with stronger labor markets widen our options. We all need a place to live, too, but housing is more costly in some places than in others. And our capacity for play comes out of everything left over from the fruits of our labor after taxes and housing costs – the price we pay to live in a civilized society.
Close to Home: Why Stay-at-Home Parenting is Increasingly a Luxury
The share of U.S. children with a stay-at-home parent has plummeted since the 1970s, a result of changing demographics and social norms. With housing costs and child care among the two largest budget items for many working families, the shifts help explain both growing demand for child care and the evolving work-life balance of many U.S. families.
Tax Relief: The (Non)Impact of Vancouver’s Real Estate Tax on the Seattle Market
In August 2016, the government of British Columbia, Canada, enacted a 15 percent tax on foreigners buying homes in the rapidly growing city of Vancouver. Most now agree that the Vancouver housing market has slowed substantially since last summer, but the data remain inconclusive as to any specific effects on international buyers of Vancouver homes. And there is less agreement on whether the tax has pushed would-be buyers of Canadian homes to instead consider U.S. homes south of the 49th parallel, especially in nearby Seattle.
Suburban Savings: Differences in Housing and Childcare Costs in Cities and Suburbs
Housing and childcare are typically the two largest budget items for young families, and the choice of exactly where to live – even within a larger metro area – can result in substantially higher or lower costs. Zillow teamed up with childcare website Care.com to explore how much families can save (or expect to spend) on housing and childcare by moving from the city to the suburbs.
