Newsroom

Mandatory affordable housing fees and flawed nexus studies can unintentionally discourage new housing by misdiagnosing the root causes of affordability, reinforcing policies that worsen the housing shortage rather than solving it.

The new report shows Washington permit reviews are taking far longer than allowed by law, reinforcing the urgent need for reform. MBAKS highlights this data as proof that faster, more transparent permitting is essential for housing availability.

Builder confidence continues to falter, with the national Housing Market Index (HMI) falling to 32, a 29% drop year over year.

New permit data show a 33% decline in permits in the Seattle metro area in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.

Governor Bob Ferguson has signed HB 1096 into law, legalizing residential lot splitting across the state. After three years of advocacy, this landmark reform creates a straightforward, administrative process for homeowners and homebuilders to divide a single lot into two.

Housing inventory in King and Snohomish counties has improved slightly but remains below healthy market levels, with King County at 1.9 months' supply and Snohomish County at 1.4.

Out on a secluded lot in Whatcom County, Forest Run home is a peaceful retreat for retirement. This 2 bed, 1 bath, single-family-residence, plus garage and shop, offers easy access to the surrounding forest, combined with cozy interiors and large windows that bring the natural world indoors.

Grow Community on Bainbridge Island is a shining example of how thoughtful design and sustainable building practices can create vibrant, connected neighborhoods. Certified as a 5-Star Built Green development, the community seamlessly integrates eco-friendly principles with modern, convenient living. Over a decade in the making, Grow Community culminated in mid-2024 with the completion of The Trillium, its third and final phase.