The piece argues that for families, bedroom count matters more than total square footage, yet new construction overwhelmingly delivers studios and one‑bedrooms. It presents survey evidence that Americans across groups prefer 3+ bedroom homes for raising children and notes small‑unit vacancies are rising as millennials age into parenthood. Policy should target unit mix—especially three‑bedroom apartments and starter homes—rather than just total housing counts.
— This reframes housing policy from generic 'more supply' to 'the right supply' by tying bedroom availability to fertility and family formation.
2025.10.14
93% relevant
The newsletter cites an Institute for Family Studies survey (via Lyman Stone) showing households value added bedrooms as much as a $2,000 rent difference and argues 'open floor plans' undermine family life—directly aligning with the existing idea that bedroom mix, not just unit count or square footage, should drive housing policy.
Lyman Stone
2025.10.10
100% relevant
IFS forced‑choice survey showing universal preference for single‑family, 3+ bedroom homes; data that over half of new apartment units are 1BR or smaller and only ~5% are 3BR; rising small‑unit vacancy rates.
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