Trump’s 2025 Housing Agenda: Tariffs, Taxes, and Construction

Published on March 18, 2024

by Adrian Sterling

The US housing market has been a hot topic of debate for years, with countless policies and agendas proposed to help improve and stabilize it. However, there is one name that has been at the center of these discussions since 2016 – former US President Donald Trump. As we look ahead to 2025, with a new administration in place and the ongoing effects of the pandemic, it’s important to examine what Trump’s housing agenda might have in store for us. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Trump’s 2025 housing agenda, specifically focusing on tariffs, taxes, and construction.Trump’s 2025 Housing Agenda: Tariffs, Taxes, and Construction

Tariffs: The Impact on the Housing Market

One of Trump’s most well-known policies was his implementation of tariffs on imported goods, particularly from China. While this has had a significant impact on various industries, the housing market has been no exception. The tariffs have resulted in increased costs for home builders, as they have had to pay more for materials such as steel and lumber.

According to a study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders, the tariffs have resulted in an additional $6,000 in costs for the average single-family home. This increase in costs has also led to a decrease in the number of newly constructed homes, making it more challenging for prospective homeowners to find affordable options. Moreover, with the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China, it’s uncertain whether Trump’s tariff policies will continue or change in the coming years.

Taxes: The Impact on Homeownership

In addition to tariffs, Trump’s tax policies have also had an impact on the housing market. One of his major accomplishments during his presidency was the passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2017. One of the biggest changes brought about by the TCJA was the increase in the standard deduction, which resulted in fewer taxpayers being able to itemize their deductions.

For homeowners, this change meant that the deductions for state and local taxes (SALT) were limited to $10,000, with no deductions for interest on home equity loans. This has had a significant impact on high-tax states, such as New York and California, where homeowners may have larger SALT deductions. As a result, some economists believe that the TCJA may have contributed to the slowing of the housing market in these areas.

Construction: The Affordable Housing Crisis

Another major issue facing the US housing market is the increasing shortage of affordable housing. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there is a shortage of over 7 million affordable and available rental homes for extremely low-income households. The lack of affordable housing has been a growing issue for years, and Trump’s housing agenda has not offered any significant solutions.

During his presidency, Trump proposed budget cuts that would impact programs such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Section 8 housing voucher program and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. These cuts could potentially worsen the affordable housing crisis, leaving many low-income families struggling to find suitable and affordable homes.

The Way Forward

As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, it’s clear that there are various challenges facing the US housing market. While Trump’s policies may have had some impact, there are many other factors at play, including the ongoing pandemic and economic conditions. As President Biden takes office and begins to implement his own housing agenda, it will be interesting to see how it differs from his predecessor’s. One thing is for sure, addressing the affordable housing crisis must be a priority to ensure that all Americans have access to safe, affordable, and decent housing.

In Conclusion

Trump’s 2025 housing agenda is a complex and controversial topic, with various policies and their potential impacts on the housing market. From tariffs to taxes to construction, his policies have had both positive and negative effects on the industry. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the US housing market, it’s essential to stay informed and aware of the potential impact of these agendas on our lives and communities.