Wisconsin REALTORS® Association: Message from the CEO

Message from the CEO

Ensuring fair access to homeownership

 March 31, 2025
CEO24

As we kick off Fair Housing Month in April, it is crucial to reaffirm the fundamental principle that every individual and family, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to achieve homeownership. However, when housing prices rise faster than wages and inventory remains scarce, those in marginalized communities face even greater barriers to owning a home.

Wisconsin is grappling with an affordability crisis that is impacting homebuyers more severely than in many other Midwestern states. A recent Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article revealed that Wisconsin’s median price per square foot for housing stands at $221 — higher than all its neighboring states, including Illinois at $189, Minnesota at $180, Michigan at $176 and Iowa at $169. This discrepancy highlights a troubling reality: Wisconsinites are paying more for less, and homeownership is becoming increasingly unattainable for many hardworking families.

A growing challenge across Wisconsin

The affordability crisis is neither new nor confined to a single city or region. According to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, housing affordability declined in every major metro area in Wisconsin from 2015 to 2023. Even more concerning, 10 of the 12 largest metro areas in the state saw a greater decline in affordability than the national average. This means Wisconsin homebuyers are struggling more than most of their counterparts across the country.

Recent data underscores the urgency of the situation. Home prices in metro areas such as Sheboygan, Appleton and Racine have surged by more than 45% over the past few years, with Sheboygan experiencing a staggering 56% increase. Larger metros like Milwaukee and Madison have also seen significant price hikes. While the national home price increase stands at 21.7%, many Wisconsin markets have far exceeded this rate, making homeownership increasingly out of reach for the average buyer.

The root cause: supply shortages and regulatory barrier

At the core of Wisconsin’s affordability crisis is an imbalance in supply and demand. There simply are not enough homes being built to meet the needs of prospective homebuyers. Zoning laws, restrictive land-use policies and slow permitting processes all contribute to an environment where new housing development is hindered. Without meaningful policy changes, the gap between supply and demand will continue to grow.

To address this issue, local and state governments must prioritize regulatory reform to encourage the construction of more housing, particularly affordable and entry-level homes. Streamlining permitting processes and modernizing outdated zoning laws can help create a more balanced market. Additionally, public-private partnerships can expand affordable housing options for first-time buyers and lower-income families.

The fair housing imperative

Housing affordability is not just an economic challenge — it is a fair housing issue. The right to homeownership should not be determined by race, income level or background. Yet, when housing costs rise beyond reach and supply remains insufficient, people facing other housing barriers are disproportionately affected.

The WRA is committed to advocating for policies that promote equal access to homeownership and ensure that all Wisconsinites have the opportunity to invest in their future through real estate. Addressing affordability challenges is not just about economics — it is about building stronger, more diverse communities.

A path forward

Wisconsin is falling behind its neighboring states in housing affordability. Without decisive action, homeownership will become even more challenging for future generations. Policymakers, industry leaders and community advocates must work together to remove barriers to new housing development, promote fair housing policies and create opportunities for all Wisconsinites.

The time for action is now. Increasing housing supply, modernizing regulations and upholding the principles of fair housing will ensure that every Wisconsinite has the opportunity to achieve homeownership — a key foundation for economic stability and community growth.

Tom Larson
WRA President & CEO

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