Yet the median price of a typical new home tripled between 1977 and 1997. In 1989, for example, the average price of a new home was 148,800. Although builders may incur some costs in complying with the codes, on a national bases these costs do not significantly affect the cost of a new house. In collaboration with faculty from Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Laquatra is conducting focus groups in four communities across New York state to find out how the communities feel about growth issues. Some might not be part of the Cornell University community, and Cornell has no control over their content or availability.
Higher prices seem to be much more likely the result of larger homes and more amenities.