Investor Index | March 16th
Portland sees progress in luring housing developers, but work is far from over
Portland is under an affordable housing crisis and efforts to lure developers have proven to be a struggle. However, new data shows the city seems to be turning the corner, and it's all thanks to a new incentive.
If you have seen construction in Portland, chances are that the developer behind it paid something called a system development charge (SDC). SDC fees fund things like parks, water and sewer systems. Housing construction permits peaked in 2021 but have since been declining drastically and, in 2025, the city put a pause on those fees for new permits issued for housing projects.
Earlier this week, the city of Portland Permitting & Development Department presented city leaders with data showing progress toward the goal of 5,000 housing units through 2028. Since August 2025, just over 1,200 applications were filed, 206 permits were issued and at least 260 units are now under construction. All this could mean the city is losing out on more than $32 million, or it's saving developers the same amount, according to the city.
Mortgage rates rise again, but remain near three-year low
Mortgage rates moved up again this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.19%, up from 6.15% last week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey.
Full Article: https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/analysis/mortgage-rates-march-11-2026/
HOA fees rise for more Oregon homes in 2025
More Oregon homes for sale in 2025 came with homeowners association fees, and those dues climbed from a year earlier, Realtor.com data shows.
Why it matters: Rising HOA fees add to the already high cost of homeownership.
By the numbers: Roughly 35% of homes in the state listed for sale on Realtor.com last year had HOA dues, up from about 31% in 2024 and 26% in 2019.
The percentage of homes listed for sale in the Portland metro area with HOAs was much higher — at nearly 49%.
The median monthly fee rose to $111 from $98 in 2024 and $100 in 2019 — and dues can even stretch beyond $500.
Full Article: https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/11/oregon-homes-for-sale-hoa-fees-2025