[bruce511]

The essence of capitalism is that capital can be used to produce income. Rent, and specifically residential property rent are a tiny fraction of that.

Why it's possible to highlight the negative effects of capitalism in general, I feel like that's a "boil the ocean" problem.

The root of the housing issue is supply. It doesn't matter who owns the accommodation - there's a shortage of it - and that's driving prices up.

I more useful strategy IMO is to look at policies that would encourage all levels (private and govt) to develop more housing and increase the supply.

[000ooo000]

The shortage you mention, do you think it would exist or exist in as significant a degree if landlords were not buying properties they have no intention of occupying?

[IndoorPatio]

Under capitalism there's an incentive to manufacture a shortage to drive prices up. That's why Vienna has such a higher quality of life than anywhere in the US: robust public housing which does not have such a detrimental incentive.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/23/vienna-reclaim...