Global housing markets face supply and affordability challenges

Various regions are grappling with housing crises characterized by supply shortages, rising costs, and accessibility barriers. In Spain, experts note a scarcity of new construction and warn that mortgage payments should not exceed one-third of monthly net income to avoid financial instability. Despite these challenges, younger buyers are increasingly entering the market, though many still require parental assistance.

In Mexico, the primary obstacle for many, particularly youth and informal workers, is the difficulty of saving for an initial down payment. Financial institutions like HSBC and BBVA are discussing the need for more flexible products and better income traceability to bridge the gap between rising home prices and stagnant wages. Infonavit offers financing up to approximately 2.9 million pesos for qualified workers.

Chile is seeing a structural shift where an increasing number of elderly citizens face housing insecurity, as they are often too old for mortgages and lack sufficient income for formal rentals. Additionally, Chilean housing subsidies face geographic limitations, as benefits are often tied to new constructions, which are scarce in certain municipalities.

In the United States, Austin, Texas, is cited as a potential model for addressing price surges through increased supply; the metropolitan area authorized over 32,000 new residential units in 2024, helping to stabilize prices through relaxed urban regulations.