Re “Prices must fall for homes to sell” (July 12): While Jonathan Lansner is on the right track, he fails to identify the core issue. The primary problem with the housing market in San Diego is an acute shortage of homes for sale. Sure, prices are high, but that’s the result.
Home sale closings remain at 30-year lows, but the market is balanced with few sellers and few buyers. So why aren’t more homes being offered for sale? Three contributors: accessory dwelling unit development, short-term vacation rentals and capital gains taxes.
Most properties developed with ADUs are permanently removed from for-sale housing inventory and become investment properties. Vacation rentals have been highly restricted or outlawed in cities throughout the world. Local citizens should have the first opportunity for housing, not tourists.
ADUs and vacation rentals widen the wealth gap, as new potential buyers are priced out. Eliminating capital gains tax on primary home sales would further unleash the market.
— Bill Marckwardt, El Cerrito