In this Week In Review episode of The Land Development Podcast, Ryan reviews the big industry news for the week ending April 25, 2025. We start by discussing New Jersey’s antitrust lawsuit against RealPage and 10 of the state’s largest landlords, alleging that they used the company’s software to artificially inflate rents. The case highlights concerns over algorithmic pricing and its effects on affordable housing.
We then move on to the solar and storage industry, where project permitting has resumed after a 60-day suspension. However, delays are still expected due to staffing shortages within federal agencies and tax credit uncertainties, particularly in states like Nevada. These challenges are putting pressure on the timely development of solar energy projects.
In Texas, the housing market has experienced a surge in inventory, giving buyers more power and lowering home prices. We break down the numbers, with Austin seeing a notable increase in average home prices. However, sellers are facing difficulties maintaining their property values in this shifting market.
Finally, we explore the growing senior housing shortage. As the baby boomer generation ages, the demand for senior living spaces has far outpaced supply. We discuss how high construction costs, labor shortages, and other challenges are contributing to this issue. Additionally, we take a look at how Washington DC’s housing market has reacted to federal layoffs, with inventory surging nearly 47%.
We wrap up the episode with a look at the Trump administration’s potential plan to reduce the size of six national monuments to promote energy development.
We did not have a guest for this episode
Ryan sits down with Peter Murphy Lewis to talk about how storytelling can help developers and builders attract better talent and build stronger teams. They break down simple, practical ways to use video and real stories to stand out in today’s labor market.
Keith Miller joins the show to talk about his focus on building attainably priced homes at scale in Montana, why he’s using factory-built housing, and what it really takes to bring new supply to fast-growing markets.
Ryan and Charles break down falling homebuyer demand, a heated TikTok debate on millennial housing choices, a proposed property tax hike in New York City, and what a shrinking U.S. population could mean for developers.