Why Housing Is Broken (And What Comes Next) with Ethan DeSota

In this episode of Blueprints to Buildings, Glen Palmer sits down with Ethan DeSota — contractor, developer, and founder of Exponent Construction Group — to unpack one of the biggest challenges of our time: why housing has become so unaffordable, and what needs to change. Ethan shares a powerful perspective on how we’ve shifted from viewing homes as productive assets to consumer liabilities, and how zoning laws, regulations, and outdated thinking have quietly reshaped the housing market. The conversation explores the future of housing — from modular construction and smaller, smarter homes to sustainable living and community-focused design. Ethan also explains why the next generation is prioritising lifestyle over square footage, and how that shift could redefine how we build and live. This episode is a must-listen for developers, investors, and anyone trying to understand where the housing market is heading next. Key topics covered: Why housing affordability is broken Producer vs consumer mindset in property The hidden impact of zoning laws Modular homes and the future of construction Smaller, smarter, more sustainable housing Designing for humans, not ego The shift in mindset among younger generations Connect with Ethan DeSota: Website: https://exponenthomes.com  Email: [email protected]  Learn more (Freedom Foundation): https://the-freedom-fix-2a5aad6a.base44.app & https://the-freedom-foundation-3fcfd6a7.base44.app/ This episode is supported by Meta-Dology — a visualisation methodology helping developers, investors, and project teams communicate ideas clearly using immersive 3D walkthroughs and digital twins before construction begins. If you’d like to see how this could apply to your project, connect with Glen directly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ or go to the website: https://meta-dology.com/home-en?am_id=glenpalmer2378