Digitalization And Housing: Framing Paper For “Bringing Digitalization Home: How Can Technology Address Housing Challenges?”
October 24, 2022 by The report from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies explores how digitalization is transforming various aspects of housing, including production, marketing, sales, financing, management, and usage. It highlights that digital technologies can potentially reduce costs and make housing more affordable by streamlining processes and improving efficiency. However, the report also warns that these benefits may not always be passed on to consumers, and digitalization could exacerbate existing inequalities. For instance, algorithms used in mortgage underwriting and property management might perpetuate discrimination and segregation. The report emphasizes the need for public, private, and civic sectors to work together to harness digitalization’s potential while mitigating its risks. Overall, it calls for a better understanding and strategic use of digital technologies to address key housing challenges, including affordability.