#597 | The Global Housing Crisis Explained

#597 | The Global Housing Crisis Explained

Author: Leonardo English February 27, 2026 Duration: 28:40

 


House prices have soared across the world, rising far faster than wages and locking many people out of home ownership.

 

This episode looks at why cheap credit, global investors, short-term rentals, and slow building have pushed prices ever higher.

 

It also asks whether governments can really fix the problem, or if expensive housing is the new normal.

 
  • How house prices have outpaced wages since late 1990s.
  • Cheap credit and low interest rates drove prices higher.
  • 2008 crisis; policies kept prices from falling much.
  • Homes treated as a global safe asset for investors.
  • Demand outstrips supply: planning, NIMBY, limited land.
  • Rising costs, labour shortages, and developers holding land constrained building.
  • Population changes, migration, and smaller households increased demand.
  • Higher interest rates raised mortgages; prices stayed high from lock-in.
  • Local factors: Airbnb and visa schemes pushed prices up.
  • Housing wealth passed down; family help now often essential.
  • Are there any solutions?

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/global-housing-crisis

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If your language studies could use a dose of fascination, English Learning for Curious Minds might just be what you're looking for. Created by Leonardo English, this podcast is designed for intermediate to advanced learners who are tired of dry textbooks and repetitive exercises. Instead, each episode dives into a curiously compelling topic-you might explore the history of forgotten inventions, unravel mysteries of ancient cultures, or discuss surprising scientific discoveries. The conversation is deliberately paced for comprehension, allowing you to absorb natural pronunciation and complex vocabulary in context. To support your learning, every episode includes an interactive transcript, subtitles, and key vocabulary lists. It’s this blend of genuine intellectual curiosity and practical learning tools that has built a global community, with listeners tuning in from 189 different countries. The result is a genuinely engaging way to build fluency, where improving your English feels less like a chore and more like a series of fascinating conversations about the weird and wonderful aspects of our world.
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