Housing

Law & Courts

Are Seattle rents being artificially inflated via algorithm?

If you live in an apartment, there's a good chance and algorithm is setting your rent. Many of the largest property managers in the United States use the same service where data for 13 million rental units is collected and used to recommend prices. Some tenants say that amounts to illegal collusion, and in a few places they're suing. That includes Seattle, where three lawsuits were filed in federal court last month.

Environment

New regulations to push WA homes away from fossil fuels in 2023

In an effort to meet the state’s climate goals, new regulations will push home construction in Washington toward all-electric heating and away from natural gas. Proponents of the change, which takes effect in July 2023, say it will also have public health benefits.

In Burien, an unusual affordable housing experiment gains steam

Buying a home is out of reach for most low-income families in the ultra-expensive greater Seattle metro area. The city of Burien is trying to change that. It's experimenting with tiny cottages, with up to two bedrooms, that families earning less than $50,000 per year can buy.

Seattle gets a little more ambitious as it updates its growth plan

It’s been eight years since Seattle updated its comprehensive plan. That’s the document that says where the city will allow new homes. In that time, we’ve seen a dramatic population growth, a pandemic, downtown got knocked off its feet, we had protests against racial inequity, and there’s a climate crisis. All of those things are changing how the city thinks about how it should grow going forward.

Seattle home prices down a smidge, but nowhere close to affordable yet

Various indicators show a slowdown in the real estate market in the central Puget Sound area. That’s raised hopes that homes could become much more affordable soon. Don't hold your breath.

Business

Sound it Out: what is a community land trust?

On this week's Sound it Out, we dive deeper into the topic of community land trusts.

National

With mortgage rates near 7%, the housing party is over. Now it's hangover time

Higher rates are dashing the dreams of some would-be homebuyers while others stretch to buy but spend close to $1,000 a month more in monthly payments for a typical house.

Business

El Centro de la Raza will preserve beloved Federal Way roller rink

The community nonprofit El Centro de la Raza plans to redevelop the two-acre site of a roller skating rink in Federal Way. But this isn't the story of another community landmark going away.