Why did the landlords charge $300 20 years ago when they could have charged $500? Were they just less greedy? Or was the supply of homes appropriate for the number of people?
People have always been greedy. They’re not more greedy today than they were 20 years ago. Is it a problem? Yes. It will always be a problem. But there are other issues at play that need to be recognized or nothing will ever be solved.
Why did the landlords charge $300 20 years ago when they could have charged $500? Or was the supply of homes appropriate for the number of people?
Yes supply and demand limit how much they can charge. I’ve already conceded as much 8 hours ago.
People have always been greedy. […] Is it a problem? Yes.
So that feels like an appropriate answer to your question from yesterday
Is it greedy landlords? Or is there a bigger issue at play, and landlords are the scapegoat?
I think you summarized it nicely, including your comment on the nature of capitalism.
It is not a coincidence, that basically all early criticism of capitalism is centered around landlords. Even Adam Smith criticized the “rentier”.
Look, I agree with you. We need more housing supply. It reduces landlords ability to raise rents.
But it does not change the underlying issue that landlords are greedy and will charge as much as they can get away with.
Why did the landlords charge $300 20 years ago when they could have charged $500? Were they just less greedy? Or was the supply of homes appropriate for the number of people?
People have always been greedy. They’re not more greedy today than they were 20 years ago. Is it a problem? Yes. It will always be a problem. But there are other issues at play that need to be recognized or nothing will ever be solved.
Yes supply and demand limit how much they can charge. I’ve already conceded as much 8 hours ago.
So that feels like an appropriate answer to your question from yesterday
I think you summarized it nicely, including your comment on the nature of capitalism. It is not a coincidence, that basically all early criticism of capitalism is centered around landlords. Even Adam Smith criticized the “rentier”.
Look, I agree with you. We need more housing supply. It reduces landlords ability to raise rents.
But it does not change the underlying issue that landlords are greedy and will charge as much as they can get away with.