But then how much would you pay people in the skilled trades (plumber, electrician, framer, architect, civil engineers)? What would be the cost of housing after the dust settle?
One of the issues you mentioned is inherent to city living itself. Although we have been led to believe that city living is more efficient, let's examine whether this perception holds true. The cost of constructing single-family homes in non-dense areas is significantly lower, averaging around $150 per square foot. In contrast, high-rise buildings can cost five to ten times more, with an average of $800 to $1500 per net rentable square foot. Infrastructure costs, including roads and utilities, typically range from $30 to $60 per square foot for a 1500 square foot area, with sewer systems being the most expensive component. Yes, you don’t get paved road in rural. But gravel road is just fine there.
Considering these figures, it becomes evident that city living cannot be deemed cheaper based solely on the cost per square foot.
However, the lower cost of construction in non-dense areas doesn’t translate to ample of low cost housing because it has its own zoning and regulation that prohibit from happening.
Drawing from my personal experience as a software engineer turned builder/developer, these observations are rooted in real projects and data.
Does the person who take advantage of all these more likely to leave a housing unit vacant or make it available for other to rent?