Washington state lawmakers are considering two bills that could significantly affect housing in the state, potentially expanding the construction of mother-in-law suites and duplexes in large cities. Both bills have already made it through the Senate with bipartisan support.
Keller Williams Eastside Managing Broker Brenda Nunes believes if passed into law, these bills could assist the needs of Washington’s “missing middle.”
“It’s the population that should be able to afford where they live, where they work, but because the prices of homes are so high it’s rare that you see somebody buying a house that doesn’t have a technology background,” said Nunes.
Back in 2004, the city of Kirkland changed its single-family zoning law. Nunes says relaxing restrictions allowed for greater diversity and density.
“They’re smaller houses that fit into neighborhoods that have been traditionally probably single-family,” Nunes said.
Across Lake Washington, real estate agent Carmen Barr sees a need for not just more options in Seattle, but more affordable options. Barr points out, newly developed townhomes closer to the city often start at $1.5 million dollars or higher, which is often unaffordable for young families.
“Seattle is a beautiful, artistic city with many artists working here,” said Barr. “My hope would be that they could enjoy home ownership in a city where they live and work.”
Both bills now need to secure support in the House before they arrive on Gov. Inslee’s desk.