As a REALTOR® for more than a decade, I have both experienced and heard from countless residents about the growing challenge of affordability in our city—especially when it comes to housing.
During the height of the COVID-19 migration surge, one of Nashville’s biggest attractions was its relative housing affordability, particularly when compared to larger markets and even peer cities like Austin or Charlotte. But with Nashville’s rapid growth over the past five years, that affordability advantage has faded. Today, many residents feel the strain, and those of us in the real estate industry see firsthand how rising housing costs affect the very people who make this city thrive.
On Tuesday, Metro Council will consider four major zoning bills developed as part of the Metro Planning Department’s Unified Housing Strategy. That plan found Nashville will need to add roughly 90,000 new housing units by 2034 to meet projected demand. Under current zoning, only about 70,000 units can be built, leaving a shortfall of 20,000 homes.
As president of Greater Nashville REALTORS®, representing more than 6,800 REALTORS® across Middle Tennessee, I’m proud that our organization is helping shape forward-thinking solutions to address these challenges. Our members are on the front lines of the housing market every day, and we understand that effective housing policy begins with collaboration—between REALTORS®, policymakers, and the community. I also recognize that supporting these changes can be controversial.
Just a few weeks ago, our association voiced its support for the four zoning bills being considered Tuesday night. While these proposals alone will not solve Nashville’s affordability issues, they are important steps toward expanding the range of attainable housing options available to residents and strengthening the city’s long-term housing outlook.
Now more than ever, it’s imperative that both the public and private sectors work together to implement practical, forward-thinking measures that ensure more Nashvillians can afford to call this great city home.
As a member of our local REALTOR® association, I’m proud of the continued work our members do every day to promote housing-first policies and advocate for opportunities that make homeownership possible for more people across Middle Tennessee.
Collyn Wainwright is president of Greater Nashville Realtors. A Realtor is a member of the National Association of Realtors who subscribes to its strict code of ethics. You can reach Collyn at 615-383-6964 or collyn@collyn.com.
