Kent and Sussex counties are facing major challenges with housing. What steps should be taken to confront the shortage? Are you open to higher-density developments?
There isn’t a housing shortage. There is an affordability issue, though. — Christopher Joyce
I agree. There is an affordability issue. Builders get a higher profit margin on one larger single-family home than two or three smaller single-family homes. There is also a public perception that smaller homes/town houses/duplexes are rampant for Section 8 housing. That will never be overcome unless a government offers to cover their losses in profit with grants. — Jody Sweeney
There are many issues with housing today, and affordability is one. Housing prices here are ridiculous. Let’s also thank the governor for implementing higher property taxes, which compounds the issue. Yes, supply and demand is driving up prices, too. Greedy builders want to build bigger homes, so they can get bigger profits. The other thing is, Delaware is turning into Florida 2.0. There are many retirees moving here from more expensive states. When my daughter was looking for a house, she put in bids that she and her husband could afford. The thing is, people from the expensive states move down here and outbid younger families. When you have a ranch-style home here in Delaware for $180,000, and a person from New Jersey who has the same-size house gets $450,000 from the sale in New Jersey, now he or she can outbid the Delawarean. Then, you have the “restrictive” communities, like the “55-and-older” communities, that don’t allow younger families in their neighborhoods. — Rick Kerchevall
I wish we could have tiny-house communities for singles or couples, not these expensive single-family houses. — Rachel Wood
Charge people who were not born in Delaware separate property tax fees. And that can help Delaware’s reckless spending debt. — Dave VanHekle Jr.
Lower interest rates. Mortgage payments will be cheaper and more affordable. — Raughley Lloyd
Develop good-paying jobs, so the government doesn’t have to subsidize those in need. — Doug Drummond
Put gates at the state lines. We’re full; try somewhere else. — Charles Miller
