Free Rent in Dublin, Mansions in Vancouver, Homelessness in Seattle

Hello and welcome to the Affordable Housing Tips radio show, episode 103!

This week we have an interesting theme, a global theme. We’re bringing you three stories, from three big cities around the world highlighting three big housing issues.

Now on the face of it, these three stories don’t seem to have much in common.

But I’d make the case they do have something in common. They each represent the variety of ways people and governments around the world are tackling the issue of affordable housing.

The solutions offered up vary greatly. You might think them impractical. Or maybe short term or even controversial. Or you might be a fan of one and not so of the others.

The thing is people around the world are taking the housing crisis more seriously than ever. They’re talking about it and doing new things. Trying to figure out ways to cope, to maybe even prosper in the face of adversity. I’d say that’s a good thing. It’s the kind of stuff I like to report on.

So, go ahead, click the audio player above and start listening to the show.

Or read the show summaries below first, if you’re so inclined. And, as always, thanks for listening, participating and supporting our work at Affordable Housing Tips!

Reality show gives young Dubliners chance to live rent free

The landmark Temple Bar, Dublin Ireland. Image by Giovanni Vignola from Pixabay.

Can a new reality TV show help ease the affordable housing crisis in Dublin?

Well, if all goes to plan, it just might.

In my first segment, I report on Kite Entertainment and their new show. Kite Entertainment is an Irish television production company and they’re developing a show based on home sharing.

(If you’re not quite sure what home sharing is, check out my article, Home Sharing: An Affordable Housing Solution for All Ages.)

The show’s concept is simple.

They’ll offer cash-strapped young Dubliners the chance to live rent-free in a comfortable home. My guess is they’ll have lots of takers.

But of course, there’s a catch. It’s a reality show after all.

They match the young tenants to live with senior homeowners. Yep, hip Millennials will share a home with people old enough to be their grandparents.

Will the new roommates be able to bridge the generational gap to make a go of it? Or will the age difference be too much of a barrier?

I’ll give you my take on it when you listen to the Affordable Housing Tips radio show, episode 103.

Would you like to live in a Vancouver mansion for a fraction of the cost? Here’s your chance…

For our second segment, I’m joined by Elizabeth Blessing, co-founder of Affordable Housing Tips.

She reports on a fascinating development in the Vancouver, Canada rental market. Some ingenious folks there are finding they can live in million-dollar mansions for literally $700 or $800 a month.

A unique tax situation is making this possible. It means luxurious mansions are now flooding the rental market. Some of these palatial properties include pools, manicured lawns, home theaters, fitness rooms and hot tubs.

Sounds like a great deal… where do I sign up?

Elizabeth gives you the scoop in her segment. She’ll tell you what you need to do to score yourself a million-dollar rental at bargain prices.

Click on the audio player above and start listening now!

Why would anyone say, “Seattle is Dying?”

That’s what I wanted to know when I watched a controversial new video.

In my final segment of the show, I tell you about a documentary that’s causing quite a stir in the Emerald City.

It basically says the city’s homeless problem is all about drugs. Eliminate the drugs and the homeless problem will get a whole lot better. No more “dying Seattle.”

But really, is that true?

I take a deep dive into the issue. I tell you about what I discovered in my research. It’s not quite so simple. Drugs aren’t the only reason there’s so much homelessness in Seattle.

What I discovered might surprise you. Might even get you thinking twice the next time you see a homeless person in the streets of your town.

I invite you to tune in and start listening now.