Could Smaller Lots Make San Diego Housing 42% More Affordable?

In this video, I sit down with Ricardo Flores of LISC and Tony Manolatos of Manolatos Public Affairs to discuss a housing strategy that could significantly expand the supply of attainable housing in San Diego—and potentially Los Angeles. Our discussion focuses on the opportunity to rethink the traditional 5,000-square-foot minimum lot size and allow smaller lots that can accommodate townhomes, row homes, and other forms of “missing middle” housing. Our study found that this approach could reduce the price of entry for new single-family-style homes by an average of *42%* in the San Diego neighborhoods we analyzed. We also discuss: • How smaller lots could increase housing supply without relying on high-rise development • The potential for townhomes and row homes to provide more attainable housing • How “gentle density” can fit within existing single-family neighborhoods • The potential property-tax benefits for cities, counties, and school districts • Why converting just 4,000 single-family lots could generate substantial additional property-tax revenue • How housing affordability affects families, seniors, and younger homebuyers • The relationship between housing supply and homelessness • The political challenges surrounding neighborhood opposition and NIMBYism • Why San Diego may be approaching a turning point in housing policy • How the same concept could apply in Los Angeles • What our Los Angeles analysis found about smaller lots and attainable housing The idea isn't to replace established neighborhoods with high-rises. It's about **gentle density**—using existing residential land more efficiently to create additional homes while maintaining the character and scale of our communities. If we can create more housing, lower the price of entry, and generate additional property-tax revenue at the same time, I believe this is an idea worth serious consideration. Watch the full discussion to hear our findings and our thoughts on the future of housing in San Diego and Los Angeles. *Subscribe* for more conversations and insights on California real estate, housing policy, development, and the future of our communities. #SanDiegoHousing #HousingAffordability #MissingMiddleHousing #CaliforniaHousing #RealEstate #HousingCrisis #Townhomes #SanDiegoRealEstate #LosAngelesHousing #HousingPolicy