Ordinance No. 20585 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

units with more than 1,200 sq. ft. increased from 28% in 1999 to 38% in 2011 nationally and from 26% to 35% in the western region. • More household amenities. Between 1990 and 2011 the percentage of single-family units built with amenities such as central air conditioning, 2 or more car garages, or 2 or more baths all increased. The same trend in increased amenities is seen in multiple family units. Over the last four years, the trend towards larger units with more amenities faltered. Between 2007 and 2011, the median size of new single- family units has decreased by 2% nationally to 2,227 square feet. The western region has seen a 4% decrease in median size of new single-family units, to a median of 2,199 square feet. In addition, the share of new units with amenities (e.g., central air conditioning, fireplaces, 2 or more car garages, or 2 or more bath) all decreased slightly. It is unclear if these changes in unit size and amenities signal a long-term change in demand for housing or if these changes are a response to the current housing market turmoil. Numerous articles and national studies suggest that these changes may indicate a long-term change in the housing market, resulting from a combination of increased demand for rental units because of demographic changes (e.g., the aging of the baby boomers, new immigrants, and the echo -boomers), as well as changes in personal finance and availability of mortgages.25 These studies may be correct and the housing market may be in the process of a long-term change. On the other hand, long-term demand for housing may not be substantially affected by the current housing market. The echo -boomers and new immigrants may choose single-family detached housing and mortgages may become easier to obtain. Studies and data analysis have shown a clear linkage between demographic characteristics and housing choice. This is more typically referred to as the linkage between life -cycle and housing choice and is documented in detail in several publications. Analysis of data from the Public Use Microsample (PUMS) in the 2000 Census helps to describe the relationship between selected demographic characteristics and housing choice. Key relationships identified through this data include: • Homeownership rates increase as income increases; • Homeownership rates increase as age increases; 25 These studies include "Hope for Housing?" by Greg Filsram in the October 2010 issue of Planning and "The Elusive Small -House Utopia" by Andrew Rice in the New York Times on October 15, 2010. Part 11 — Eugene Housing Needs Analysis ECONorthwest Page 51