Casita Coalition Releases Essential Report to Revive Starter Homes Across America
On August 5, 2026, the Casita Coalition released a groundbreaking report aimed at tackling the urgent issue of the diminishing availability of starter homes across the United States. The coalition, a California-based nonprofit, joined forces with the Mercatus Center to publish the 'Starter Home Strategies' report, which serves as a practical guide to revitalize the construction of starter homes that are affordable for average-income buyers.
As the report reveals, the landscape of home ownership in America has shifted dramatically. In 1982, a significant 40% of new single-family homes were under 1,400 square feet, a figure that has plummeted to approximately 9% by 2024. This alarming decrease reflects the broader crisis in the housing market, where a staggering 75% of households find themselves unable to afford the median-priced home. In California, this figure is even more dire, with 85% of households deemed unable to purchase such properties.
In unveiling this pivotal report in San Diego, the coalition spotlighted the city’s forward-thinking approach in adopting several of the proposed solutions. San Diego has implemented local regulations that permit legally recognized accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to be sold separately from the primary residence. Moreover, ongoing initiatives are underway within the city to ease zoning restrictions further, allowing for the development of middle-scale infill housing options like townhomes and duplexes.
'We are proud to champion diverse housing solutions that can be tailored to each state's laws and housing needs,' expressed Noerena Limon, CEO of Casita Coalition. Mayor Todd Gloria emphasized that increasing the variety of housing options, including starter homes and ADUs, can enable working families to achieve the dream of homeownership. 'In San Diego, we have worked hard to eliminate barriers that restrict the building of these essential homes, and I believe our achievements can serve as a model for other communities across the nation.'
The report outlines the numerous obstacles contributing to the decline of starter homes, identifying a complex web of restrictive zoning regulations, intricate subdivision regulations, demanding parking criteria, ownership limitations, hefty impact fees, and cumbersome permitting processes. These factors converge to inhibit the construction of more modest-sized homes, leading builders to focus on larger, pricier options that ultimately exclude many potential homeowners.
Despite these hurdles, the report highlights communities throughout the country that have successfully adopted strategies to boost the production of economically attainable starter homes. Each of these examples illustrates how strategic policy changes and community collaboration can create pathways for affordable housing. Through clear documentation, the report details the necessary reform efforts required to facilitate the construction of these valuable properties, equipping policymakers, urban planners, and housing advocates with crucial insights to advocate for change in their own locales.
Importantly, the report expands the conventional definition of a starter home, embracing a broader range of housing types that are accessible to average-income individuals. This includes small-lot homes, ADUs sold independently, duplexes, townhomes, cottage courts, manufactured housing, modular homes, and model shared ownership initiatives designed to lower entry barriers to homeownership.
As the United States faces a pressing housing affordability crisis, the release of the 'Starter Home Strategies' report could not be more timely. The Casita Coalition’s roadmap presents a vital opportunity for states and local governments to adopt proactive measures to create a more inclusive housing market. By implementing these reforms, communities can move toward a sustainable future, one where starter homes are accessible to the countless families seeking to put down roots and secure their financial future through homeownership.
In summary, the Casita Coalition's efforts highlight the significance of collaborative action in addressing the nationwide housing crisis. With actionable policies identified in their report, there's hope that the American dream of homeownership can be realized once again for countless families throughout the nation.
As the report reveals, the landscape of home ownership in America has shifted dramatically. In 1982, a significant 40% of new single-family homes were under 1,400 square feet, a figure that has plummeted to approximately 9% by 2024. This alarming decrease reflects the broader crisis in the housing market, where a staggering 75% of households find themselves unable to afford the median-priced home. In California, this figure is even more dire, with 85% of households deemed unable to purchase such properties.
In unveiling this pivotal report in San Diego, the coalition spotlighted the city’s forward-thinking approach in adopting several of the proposed solutions. San Diego has implemented local regulations that permit legally recognized accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to be sold separately from the primary residence. Moreover, ongoing initiatives are underway within the city to ease zoning restrictions further, allowing for the development of middle-scale infill housing options like townhomes and duplexes.
'We are proud to champion diverse housing solutions that can be tailored to each state's laws and housing needs,' expressed Noerena Limon, CEO of Casita Coalition. Mayor Todd Gloria emphasized that increasing the variety of housing options, including starter homes and ADUs, can enable working families to achieve the dream of homeownership. 'In San Diego, we have worked hard to eliminate barriers that restrict the building of these essential homes, and I believe our achievements can serve as a model for other communities across the nation.'
The report outlines the numerous obstacles contributing to the decline of starter homes, identifying a complex web of restrictive zoning regulations, intricate subdivision regulations, demanding parking criteria, ownership limitations, hefty impact fees, and cumbersome permitting processes. These factors converge to inhibit the construction of more modest-sized homes, leading builders to focus on larger, pricier options that ultimately exclude many potential homeowners.
Despite these hurdles, the report highlights communities throughout the country that have successfully adopted strategies to boost the production of economically attainable starter homes. Each of these examples illustrates how strategic policy changes and community collaboration can create pathways for affordable housing. Through clear documentation, the report details the necessary reform efforts required to facilitate the construction of these valuable properties, equipping policymakers, urban planners, and housing advocates with crucial insights to advocate for change in their own locales.
Importantly, the report expands the conventional definition of a starter home, embracing a broader range of housing types that are accessible to average-income individuals. This includes small-lot homes, ADUs sold independently, duplexes, townhomes, cottage courts, manufactured housing, modular homes, and model shared ownership initiatives designed to lower entry barriers to homeownership.
As the United States faces a pressing housing affordability crisis, the release of the 'Starter Home Strategies' report could not be more timely. The Casita Coalition’s roadmap presents a vital opportunity for states and local governments to adopt proactive measures to create a more inclusive housing market. By implementing these reforms, communities can move toward a sustainable future, one where starter homes are accessible to the countless families seeking to put down roots and secure their financial future through homeownership.
In summary, the Casita Coalition's efforts highlight the significance of collaborative action in addressing the nationwide housing crisis. With actionable policies identified in their report, there's hope that the American dream of homeownership can be realized once again for countless families throughout the nation.
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