This paper explains that single family home ownership can be considered one element of the United States
Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a tool used to track statistics on domestic economic trends, governmental policy, and fiscal changes. The author points out that, since the Great Depression, the federal
government continually has helped home owners secure
mortgage credits and tax benefits that were specifically geared to keep single family-owned
housing affordable to as many Americans as possible. The paper relates that the housing industry is a very good
indicator of the direction and consistency of the gross domestic product, because when consumers have money, they buy new homes and associated products. Many charts. Table of Contents Introduction The Industry Limitations History Housing Construction, Federal Republic of Germany, 1950-1988 Current Situation Future Growth Gross Domestic Product Components of Aggregate Demand Consumption Investment Government Mortgage Rates Conclusion