**Economists Underwhelmed by Housing Solutions Proposed at Productivity Roundtable**

Can the dream of affordable housing become a reality? That's the question on many Australians' minds, especially as rising interest rates and limited supply continue to squeeze household budgets. Recently, a productivity roundtable convened to tackle this very issue, and while several plans to improve housing supply were put forward, economists are expressing concern that these ideas may not address the core problems driving the affordability crisis.

The roundtable, attended by industry experts, government officials, and academics, aimed to identify key roadblocks preventing the construction of new homes and to propose solutions for boosting the housing supply across the nation. Discussions reportedly centred on streamlining planning approvals, incentivizing developers to build in strategic locations, and exploring alternative construction methods to reduce costs and speed up project completion.

However, the proposed solutions have been met with a lukewarm reception from some economists. Their central argument is that these measures, while potentially helpful in the long run, fail to adequately address the fundamental drivers of housing unaffordability, such as excessive demand fueled by factors like negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts for investors.

"Increasing supply is undoubtedly important," said Dr. Eleanor Vance, a leading economist specializing in housing markets. "But simply building more houses won't solve the problem if demand continues to outstrip supply due to policies that incentivize investment over homeownership. We need to address the demand side of the equation as well."

Another concern raised is the potential for these supply-side measures to disproportionately benefit developers and investors, rather than first-time homebuyers or low-income families. Without accompanying policies to ensure affordability and prevent speculation, the increased supply could simply lead to more expensive houses being built, further exacerbating the problem.

The economists are calling for a more comprehensive approach that tackles both supply and demand factors, including a review of existing tax policies related to property investment, exploring options for expanding social and affordable housing programs, and addressing issues of wage stagnation that make it difficult for many Australians to save for a deposit.

While the productivity roundtable's efforts to address the housing crisis are acknowledged, the consensus among some economists is that the proposed solutions fall short of what is needed to truly make a significant impact on affordability. A more holistic and politically challenging approach, they argue, is essential to ensure that all Australians have access to safe, secure, and affordable housing.