Builders Association of Minnesota

10/08/2026

Minneapolis’s 2040 Plan opened up zoning. Housing still isn’t getting built.

The numbers from the Minneapolis Fed are stark:

📉 Multifamily permitting in Minneapolis fell 91.6% from its 2022 peak to 2025. Just 300 units were permitted in 2025, the fewest since 2008.

Developers point to costs that pile up on top of zoning:

Inclusionary zoning can leave a gap of at least $150,000 per affordable unit
First-floor retail mandates and height minimums add cost
Buying an existing building is often cheaper than building a new one
Regulatory uncertainty is scaring off capital

The same squeeze hits buyers statewide. Freddie Mac reports the 30-year mortgage rate at 7.40%, up from 6.30% a year ago. Using NAHB’s Priced-Out Calculator, a median-priced new home in Minnesota ($402,209) now requires roughly $132,500 to $138,000 in household income. That puts it out of reach for about two-thirds of Minnesota households.

Good intentions aren’t enough. If we want more affordable housing, we have to tackle the supply side: simplify regulations, ease cost burdens on builders, and create predictable conditions where housing can actually get built.

Read the full post: https://bamn.org/the-housing-math-problem-why-good-intentions-are-stalling-development-in-minneapolis-and-minnesota/

When the City of Minneapolis passed its celebrated 2040 Plan, it was hailed nationally as a groundbreaking, progressive blueprint to increase density and drive down housing costs. By eliminating single-family-only zoning, ending parking minimums, and opening the door to gentle density like duplexes....

08/19/2026

What to Budget for After Buying a Home

After saving for a down payment, closing costs and moving expenses, buyers have covered the upfront needs for a new home. But with necessary repairs and finishing touches that make the space your own, there are additional costs to plan for.
For newly built homes, buyers spend an average of $26,882 on appliances, furnishings and property alterations and repairs during the first year of homeownership, according to NAHB analysis of Consumer Expenditure Survey data.

When purchasing existing homes, buyers spend an average of $18,673, with more of that on repairs and renovations.

Here are three common expenses to budget for after buying a home:

1.) Appliances and household equipment, like lawnmowers and TVs, are common purchases whether you buy new construction or an existing home. Most new construction includes stoves, ovens and dishwashers, but refrigerators and laundry appliances are often optional upgrades to plan for. Similarly, an existing home may have appliances, but they could be outdated and need to be replaced soon after moving in. Buyers spend an average of $4,344 on these items in the first year with new construction and $3,689 with existing homes.

2.) Furnishing a full home can be a significant expense too, especially for buyers moving into a larger space. They may need bedroom or dining room furniture to fill additional rooms or look to upgrade items like sofas and mattresses. New construction may also require blinds and shades to be installed, as they're sometimes optional. Together, these expenses average $8,254 with new construction and $3,894 with existing homes.

3.) Property alterations and repairs are the largest expenses to plan for after purchasing a home, averaging $14,285 in the first year with new construction and $11,090 with existing homes. New construction doesn't require upgrades like new floors, but buyers often focus on customizing and expanding their space through landscaping, adding patios, finishing a basement and more. Existing homes are more likely to need repairs and updates, like replacing the HVAC system or a full room remodel to meet your household’s needs.

Planning ahead for these projects can help buyers avoid straining their budget after moving in.

06/29/2026

Before You DIY: What to Know for Your Next Home Project
By BAM

Taking on a home project yourself can be a rewarding, cost-effective way to improve your space. Routine tasks like changing air filters or replacing lightbulbs are easy ways to keep your home running smoothly, and with the right preparation, some owners can take on larger, do-it-yourself tasks. But it’s important to be realistic about what you can handle and know when to hire a professional.

Many projects require more experience than the typical owner has and proper tools for the best results. Before getting started, take an honest look at your skills and the scope of the project. Poorly executed DIY projects can damage your home and, depending on the task, even put yourself at a safety risk.
If you plan to tackle your next project on your own, consider the following tips before you dive in.

Permits. Planning a large addition like a wall or a deck? You might need a permit to complete your project. If you are not sure, contact your local city hall. Permits are not intended to drain your home remodeling budget or act as a roadblock to building. In many cases, it is to ensure the job is done correctly. Avoiding this step can have serious consequences, including a stop-work order from the city and hefty fines.

Budgeting. Home project costs can quickly add up if you don’t map out all the materials, tools and equipment needed to complete the project before you start. If you are not a professional remodeler, chances are you will not purchase everything you need in one trip. A good rule of thumb is to budget at least 10% extra for materials in case you need to go back for more. If you’re still unsure, a professional remodeler can better estimate the materials needed for the job, so you don’t go over budget.

Tools and Equipment. Most home owners have the basics for small repairs, but larger projects often require specialized tools outside your usual toolbox. Proper equipment can make the job easier, safer and prevent costly mistakes. While some specialized equipment can be expensive to buy, many hardware stores offer tool rentals. But make sure you know how to use it to avoid injuring yourself or ruining your project. If you’re considering working with a professional, they will already have the tools on hand to avoid costly rentals and know how to use them to keep you safe.

Know When to Call in a Pro. One of the biggest draws of DIY projects is saving on labor costs, but those savings can quickly vanish if you have to call a professional to fix your work. When planning a project, be realistic about what you can handle and when to hire a professional – even if you have to stop mid-project. In addition to knowing the ins and outs of the job, trustworthy professionals can help you recommend the right materials and navigate permitting requirements to avoid any delays.

06/26/2026

How much government regulation account for in a new house's price! WOW!

05/26/2026

Approximately 65% of U.S. households cannot afford a median-priced new home. At a median price of $413,595 and a 30-year mortgage rate of 6%, 88.2 million households are priced out of the market.

05/04/2026

Email Campaign - May 3, 2026, 4:51 AM - https://mailchi.mp/bamn/k327atsu1g