How to Solve the Global Housing Puzzle
With office conversions, high rises with gardens and a new take on roommates.
Illustration by Oscar Grønner
As housing prices rise in many parts of the world, the definition of the dream home is in flux. In the US the promise of homeownership as a path to financial security is vanishing as property costs soar. In India, where public space is at a premium and a wealth boom is driving construction, high-rise residents covet common areas more than ever. And in Latin America, increasing numbers of foreigners seeking long-term accommodations are reshaping city skylines with fresh styles of development. These changes have knock-on effects for everyone in the housing market, whether you’re buying, selling or simply plotting your family’s future. The stories below are a guide to navigating the current conditions, and though affordability is a challenge almost everywhere, it’s not all gloomy: Cities, developers and residents are finding innovative ways to keep a roof over people’s heads. —Laura Bliss