As housing prices continue to rise, many low- and middle-income households increasingly struggle to find options within their budget. But it’s not just potential homeowners — the ongoing affordable housing crisis is putting pressure on owners and investors, property managers, and renters alike.

So what’s the reason for this crisis? Here are some of the most influential factors, from the limited housing supply and rising building costs to issues with zoning and other regulations.

Ongoing Supply Shortages The housing shortage is not a new issue. In fact, buyer demand exceeding supply has been a consistent problem since the building slowdown that...