Housing Industry Fights to Stop Proposed Federal Regulations From Driving Up Home Prices

By:  Nikki Giordano, CEO, AHBA

The National Association of Home Builders, along with 15 state attorneys general, have filed a complaint to stop the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development from adopting new housing codes that will significantly drive up housing costs. During a time when Americans face a severe housing shortage, these unnecessary and costly regulations will only create further problems by driving up prices and preventing building. 

HUD plans to adopt the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 as the new energy-efficient standards for certain single-family and multi-family housing projects. These regulations will add more than $22,000 to the price of a new home, according to NAHB. However, most homebuilders believe the added price tag will be more like $31,000. In Anchorage, the median new home price is $683,134. For every $1,000 increase in the cost of the home, 110 Alaskans become priced out. “This means that at the lowest estimation 2,420 Alaskans will be priced out of new construction homes. This would be devastating to affordability in our communities,” said Andre Spinelli, president of Spinell Homes.

These proposed new regulations are excessive, unnecessary and will cost thousands of people the opportunity to buy a new home. Today’s homebuilders already utilize the latest in energy-efficient materials and technology for new construction. Plus, homeowners wouldn’t even see a difference. NAHB officials say it will take as long as 90 years for homeowners to see any sort of return on their investment. Additionally, the proposed regulations are in direct conflict with the current energy codes across most of the country, which will create regulatory headaches and stall progress. 

Americans are desperate for housing, especially affordable homes but the only way to add inventory is through building. Yet regulations are holding builders back and making prices soar. Regulatory costs make up nearly 25% of the price tag on new construction single-family homes. Most homeowners can’t afford an additional $30,000 for changes they won’t even notice. 

NAHB’s lawsuit aims to prevent these regulations from disrupting the building industry and hurting vulnerable Americans. NAHB represents the largest network of homebuilders and advocates on issues important to its members. Members of the Anchorage Home Builders Association are also members of NAHB. NAHB and AHBA work with policymakers at local, state and national levels. Whether it’s at assembly meetings or Capital Hill, NAHB and AHBA fight to create a thriving building industry.