The two presidential nominees are talking about their approaches for solving America’s affordability crisis. But would their plans work?The two presidential candidates are discussing their strategies for addressing America’s affordability crisis. However, there are doubts about whether their plans would be effective.

The issue of affordable housing has become a top concern for voters, and both the Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris, and the Republican candidate, Donald J. Trump, have promised to tackle the problem if elected. However, their approaches to solving the issue are vastly different, with Ms. Harris’s plan being more detailed.

Ms. Harris’s plan includes a combination of tax cuts aimed at encouraging home construction, which some economists believe could help increase the supply of housing. However, her proposal to provide a $25,000 benefit for first-time homebuyers has raised concerns that it could drive up demand and lead to higher home prices. Additionally, the success of her plan would depend on its approval by Congress, which could potentially alter its design and feasibility.

On the other hand, Mr. Trump’s plan has been met with even more skepticism. He has promised to deport undocumented immigrants, which could temporarily reduce housing demand but could also have a negative impact on the construction workforce and limit the supply of new housing. His other ideas, such as lowering interest rates, are not directly under his control and are expected to happen regardless.

The doubts expressed by economists about the candidates’ housing policies highlight the harsh reality that there are no quick fixes for a housing shortage that has been developing for over 15 years. This issue is further exacerbated by demographic and societal trends. While bold promises may sound appealing during debates and advertisements, the actual implementation of policies to address the national housing shortage is likely to be slow and complicated, despite the urgent need for action.

Here is a breakdown of the candidates’ proposals and what experts have to say about them.

Harris: Increase Supply through Tax Credits

Ms. Harris’s plan focuses on expanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, providing incentives for state and local investments in housing, and creating a $40 billion tax credit to make affordable projects financially viable for builders.

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