Comment by spicyusername

    What about wealth inequality as the root cause of housing shortage? 

Keep building.

Eventually there are more houses than people who want to be in them, regardless of whether or not they're being rented or owned.

When that happens you'll see the prices fall. After all, if nobody wants to rent your house, you'll either rent it for lower or sell it.

If nobody wants to buy it, you'll lower the price.

Ad nauseum.