Economics Explored

Housing Crisis: Supply, Demand, or Both? w/ John Humphreys and Tom Switzer

Episode Summary

What happens when geopolitical tensions collide with domestic economic pressures? In this episode, Gene Tunny is joined by John Humphreys and Tom Switzer to unpack the economic fallout from escalating tensions with Iran. The conversation then turns to Australia’s housing affordability crisis—examining whether government policies, population growth, or supply constraints are to blame.

Episode Notes

What happens when geopolitical tensions collide with domestic economic pressures? In this episode, Gene Tunny is joined by John Humphreys and Tom Switzer to unpack the economic fallout from escalating tensions with Iran. The conversation then turns to Australia’s housing affordability crisis—examining whether government policies, population growth, or supply constraints are to blame.

Gene would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. You can email him via contact@economicsexplored.com. 

Takeaways

  1. Housing affordability remains a major challenge in many advanced economies, with strong demand outpacing limited supply.
  2. Policies like Australia's 5% deposit scheme can boost prices by increasing demand in an already constrained market.
  3. Both supply and demand matter—increasing construction and managing population growth are key levers.
  4. International examples (such as Canada) suggest that policy changes can influence housing outcomes.

Timestamps

Links relevant to the conversation

Australian Taxpayers’ Alliance livestream, Thursday 9 April:

https://www.youtube.com/live/hoRKqJhBhUQ?si=_1uHKUG6zCO7vBP1

Tom Switzer’s show, Switzerland:

https://www.youtube.com/@TomSwitzerMedia

Lumo Coffee promotion

10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.

Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLORED

Promo code: 10EXPLORED