Working Towards Solutions to Washington State's Housing Crisis

[Tim Cornwell]

Solving the Housing Crisis

What Is “Middle Housing” and Why It Matters in Washington Right Now
By Tim Cornwell | Real Estate Agent | Investor

We’re in the midst of an unprecedented shift in housing policy here in Washington State.

If you’re someone who pays attention to zoning, infill, or housing affordability, you may have come across the term “middle housing.” It’s starting to show up more and more in local government plans, developer meetings, and investment strategies—and for good reason.
Middle housing refers to small-scale, multi-unit housing types like duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, courtyard apartments, and cottage clusters—typically built within existing single-family neighborhoods.

For decades, most neighborhoods have been zoned exclusively for single-family homes. That worked for a while. But over time, it contributed to sprawl, higher housing prices, and a severe shortage of attainable housing.

Why This Matters Now
Washington State passed two major pieces of legislation in 2023 that directly affect this conversation:
• House Bill 1110 – Requires most cities to allow at least 2 to 4 units per residential lot in areas previously zoned single-family only.
• House Bill 1337 – Expands the legal use of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), allowing up to two per lot and removing many previous restrictions. Combined, these bills represent a fundamental change in how we think about land use.

And they’re arriving at a critical time. As the Washington State Department of Commerce puts it in their most recent five-year plan:“Washington is in the midst of an affordable housing and homelessness crisis.” — 2024–2029 Homeless Housing Strategic Plan
The goal behind these new laws? Add at least 1 million new homes by 2044—not by paving over farmland or building endless subdivisions, but by reimagining what’s possible in the neighborhoods we already have.

This isn’t just a city planner’s dream or a legislative talking point. It’s a real opportunity for homeowners, investors, and communities to respond to rising demand for diverse, attainable housing—with more flexibility than ever before.

Why I’m Paying Attention...
For those of us who work in real estate daily—whether investing, selling, building, or advising—these new laws change the landscape.
Properties that used to support one home may now support two, four, or even six units, depending on location, lot size, and proximity to transit.

That means:-There is hidden value in older properties and large lots

- More creative paths to cash flow

- New ways to help people find housing and build wealth

-Potential for more affordable housing 

-Opportunity for multi-generational housing on a single lot

Let’s Explore This Together

- What’s your take on middle housing?- Have you seen local changes already?- What questions do you have about what’s coming?

Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts.—Tim Cornwell