June Housing Insight: A New Vision for Housing Growth in Waukesha County

Hi everyone!

As a Realtor here in Waukesha County, I spend a lot of time talking with buyers who feel frustrated by rising home prices and limited inventory. That's why I found a recent report from the AEI Housing Center especially interesting.

The report, Strong Foundations: A Playbook for Housing and Economic Growth, looks at ways communities can increase housing opportunities while supporting long-term economic growth throughout Waukesha County. According to the study, communities should consider policies that could allow for up to 2,620 additional homes annually across the county.

Why More Housing Matters

The report estimates that Waukesha County is currently short approximately 2,100 homes, creating upward pressure on housing prices and making it more difficult for first-time buyers and working families to enter the market.

The goal isn't simply to build more homes—it's to create a wider range of housing options that fit different budgets and stages of life.

Three Ideas Highlighted in the Playbook

1. Smaller Lots in New Neighborhoods

The report suggests allowing more homes to be built on smaller lots. This could help create more attainable starter homes and townhomes while making better use of available land.

AEI estimates this approach could add approximately 1,300 additional homes per year in Waukesha County, with median home values about 21% lower than newly built homes currently found in many subdivisions.

2. More Flexible Housing Options

Another recommendation is allowing more duplexes, townhomes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and lot splits within existing neighborhoods where appropriate.

The study projects this could create roughly 380 additional homes annually while expanding housing choices for young professionals, downsizing homeowners, and multigenerational families.

3. Housing Near Jobs and Amenities

The report also recommends allowing residential development in certain commercial and mixed-use areas. This would give people the option to live closer to work, shopping, restaurants, and services.

Researchers estimate this strategy could add approximately 940 homes per year while helping reduce commute times and making use of existing infrastructure.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

Whether or not all of these recommendations are adopted, the conversation highlights an important reality: housing demand in Waukesha County remains strong.

Increasing housing supply can help improve affordability, provide more opportunities for first-time buyers, and create a healthier housing market for future generations. At the same time, Waukesha County continues to be one of the most desirable places to live in southeastern Wisconsin.

As always, if you're curious about what these trends could mean for your home's value, your future buying plans, or the local market, I'd love to chat.

Until next month,

Lindsay Barborich
Your Local Realtor