Housing shortage? What do the numbers say?

[Ausprop]

price is the best indicator of shortages. melbourne is going gangbusters so there is obviosuly a shortage, Mandurah is in the doldrums so there is an oversupply. everything else is just conversation.

 

[mr_taco]

i don' t think shortages or oversupplys affect the property market as they would like you to think .
Prices have doubled since the 50s regardless of how much spare land we' ve had.
It' s a spin tool used by the D&Gers and the spruikers alike .
It all comes down to credit and the desire to join the rich list , and both are in good supply

 

[hobo-jo]

price is the best indicator of shortages.

I don't really agree with this (especially when using your example of a city vs regional demand), although it really depends on what you mean by shortage (e.g. an actual physical shortage of housing to fit everyone or just a shortage of "in demand" properties)...