There is a high demand, yet insufficient supply for Missing Middle Housing types (MMH) (diverse low- to mid-rise housing types) in walkable urban core neighborhoods. This review investigates why.
Housing preferences are changing. According to Koebel, Lang, and Danielsen (2004), Kolson (2016), Myers and Ryu (2008), Shaver (2017), and Woo (2016), the largest demographic, the millennials, prefer low- to mid-rise housing units in the walkable urban core areas. These areas have access to cultural activities, entertainment, restaurants, shopping, and other amenities such as parks. The retiring baby boomers (Table 1), who are downsizing from their single-family suburban homes, are seeking the same housing types and amenities. As suggested by Parolek (CNU, 2015), the Missing Middle Housing types are one possible solution to help meet the demand. However, the demand is greater than the supply (Koebel et al., 2004; Kolson, 2016; Myers & Ryu, 2008; Shaver, 2017).
This review discusses the factors that affect the supply of MMH types. It reveals that although these housing types once existed in the urban core, attempts to reintroduce them met with opposition from several stakeholders. Additional factors that hurt the supply of MMH types include: land use and zoning regulations, a lack of developer interest to develop these units, and a lack of developer financing (Doherty, 2017).
Author: Shrimatee Ojah Maharaj
Link: https://doi.org/10.28945/4544
Cite as: Ojah Maharaj, S. (2020). Factors affecting the supply of “missing middle” housing types in walkable urban core neighborhoods. Muma Business Review 4(1). 1-15. https://doi.org/10.28945/4544