ADUs in Los Angeles: How much do they raise property value?
Using data from Los Angeles, researchers found the presence of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) raises a parcel’s assessed value and selling price 7% to 9%. The results show that ADUs are less likely found on large parcels containing newer houses, in certain dense locations, in higher income areas and in Black neighborhoods. In contrast, ADUs are more likely close to commercial districts, light-rail stations, educational facilities and in Latino neighborhoods.

Relationship between the tree canopy and crime in Washington, D.C.
Researchers found for a 1 standard deviation increase in tree canopy coverage, there is an 11.1% decrease in the expected number of violent crimes. Robbery, considered a violent crime, decreased at a higher rate. But tree canopy coverage leads to more motor vehicle thefts, a nonviolent crime.

Impacts of property tax abatement on rental housing construction in Boston
The Federal Reserve Board of Boston studied the effectiveness of two property tax abatement methods to spur housing construction, each designed to last 15 to 29 years: (1) uncapped programs that provide abatements of 75%-100%; and (2) programs with abatements capped at $2,500 or $5,000 per unit per year. They found the most cost-effective was the capped tax credits, which may provide up to 1,266 units for roughly $250,000 per unit depending on many variables. The subsidies could offer some short-term relief, but they wouldn’t solve the larger problem, which requires reforms to make building easier and lower construction costs.

A first look at the historical performance of the new NAV REITs
Researchers studied the early performance (2016 to 2023) of an emerging class of non-listed commercial real estate funds known as net asset value (NAV) REITs, which provide individual investors access to commercial real estate investments. They found NAV REIT investments generated substantial alpha (above 5% per year) relative to public indices over the sample period.