What post-war Athens can teach us about San Diego's housing future

Spring in SD A 70-year-old idea might be California's future. After WWII, Greece had a massive housing shortage. The solution? A clever land for housing swap called antiparochi. Homeowners would let builders construct small apartment buildings on their lots. In return, they'd keep a few new units. No money exchanged, just equity for equity. It was fast, efficient, and helped Athens build millions of homes within a generation. Sound crazy? Maybe. But it worked. And I think San Diego is perfectly positioned to try something like this. We're already a leader in ADU policy, and our homeowners are no strangers to creative housing solutions. A modern antiparochi-style program could let longtime residents unlock equity without selling, while quietly adding housing across the city. No mass redevelopment. No displacement. It wouldn't be without challenges. Zoning changes, tax incentives, and fair partnerships would all be key. But the upside? A more affordable, inclusive, and locally driven housing market. If you're ever curious about the what-ifs, the creative strategies, or the pros and cons of any real estate scenario, I'm always happy to chat about anything I can do to make your real estate journey a little less stressful. Ready to make a move? Give me a call today. My clients always come first, my 5 star reviews tell the story. Read My Reviews zach.arrington@compass.com marketingcenter-- zach.arrington@compass.com here