Government policies and their impact on real estate prices have become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and analysis of past exam questions, this subject is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. To help you prepare effectively, we’ll examine a relevant question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Let’s focus on the following question, which closely resembles those seen in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that governments should intervene to control housing prices, while others think the real estate market should be left to market forces. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to:
- Discuss arguments for government intervention in housing prices
- Explore reasons for allowing market forces to determine real estate prices
- Present your own opinion on the matter
Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your view.
How high-interest rates affect real estate is one factor to consider when examining government policies and housing prices. Let’s now look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Housing affordability is a pressing issue in many countries, sparking debate about whether governments should intervene to control prices or allow market forces to dictate property values. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of government intervention argue that housing is a basic need and should be accessible to all citizens. They contend that unchecked market forces can lead to soaring prices, making homeownership unattainable for many and exacerbating social inequality. Government measures such as price caps, subsidies, and increased public housing can help maintain affordability and ensure a more equitable distribution of housing resources. Moreover, proponents argue that government regulation can prevent speculative bubbles and promote long-term market stability.
On the other hand, advocates of free-market principles assert that government intervention often leads to unintended consequences. They argue that price controls can stifle construction and reduce housing supply, paradoxically worsening affordability in the long run. Free-market supporters contend that natural supply and demand dynamics will eventually correct imbalances, with high prices incentivizing increased construction and innovation in housing solutions. Furthermore, they claim that government interference can create inefficiencies and distort market signals, leading to suboptimal resource allocation.
In my opinion, a balanced approach combining elements of both perspectives is most effective. While I believe that some level of government oversight is necessary to ensure fair access to housing, especially for vulnerable populations, excessive intervention can indeed have detrimental effects on market efficiency and innovation. Governments should focus on creating an enabling environment for affordable housing through measures such as streamlined approval processes, incentives for developers to build affordable units, and targeted assistance programs for low-income households. Simultaneously, they should allow market forces to play a significant role in determining prices and driving housing supply.
In conclusion, the debate over government intervention in housing prices is complex, with valid arguments on both sides. A nuanced approach that leverages the strengths of both government oversight and market dynamics is likely to yield the best outcomes in addressing housing affordability challenges.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
The issue of whether governments should control housing prices or let the market decide is a controversial topic. This essay will discuss both sides of the argument and give my opinion.
Some people think governments should intervene to control house prices. They say that housing is a basic need and everyone should be able to afford a home. If prices are too high, many people can’t buy houses and this can cause social problems. Governments can use different methods to keep prices down, like putting limits on how much houses can cost or building more public housing. This can help make sure more people can afford to buy or rent homes.
However, others believe that the real estate market should be left to market forces. They argue that when governments try to control prices, it can cause problems. For example, if prices are kept too low, builders might not want to build new houses because they can’t make enough money. This can lead to a shortage of homes. They also say that the free market is better at balancing supply and demand, and that prices will naturally go down if there are too many expensive houses that people can’t afford.
In my opinion, I think a mix of both approaches is best. Governments should not completely control housing prices, but they should take some actions to help make housing more affordable. For example, they could offer tax breaks to builders who construct affordable homes or help first-time buyers with special loans. At the same time, they should allow the market to work naturally to some extent, as this can encourage innovation and efficiency in the housing sector.
To conclude, while there are arguments for both government intervention and free-market approaches to housing prices, I believe a balanced strategy that combines elements of both is the most effective way to address housing affordability issues.
Housing affordability concept
Sample Essay for Band 5-6
Housing prices are a big problem in many countries. Some people think the government should control these prices, but others say the market should decide. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who want the government to control house prices say it’s important because everyone needs a home. If houses are too expensive, many people can’t buy them. This can cause problems in society. Governments can do things like set maximum prices for houses or build more cheap houses for people. This helps more people to have homes they can afford.
But other people think the market should control house prices. They say when the government tries to control prices, it can cause problems. For example, if prices are too low, companies might not want to build new houses because they can’t make money. This can mean there are not enough houses for everyone. They also say that if there are too many expensive houses that no one is buying, the prices will go down naturally.
I think both sides have good points. In my opinion, the government should help make houses more affordable, but not control everything. They could give money to help people buy their first home or make rules that help build more affordable houses. But they should also let the market work a little bit, because this can help make better and cheaper houses in the long run.
In conclusion, I believe the best way to deal with housing prices is to have some government help, but also let the market decide some things. This can help more people have homes they can afford.
Should governments control housing prices is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of various factors.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the response
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Demonstrates high levels of grammatical accuracy with rare minor errors
- Ideas are coherently and clearly organized with effective use of cohesive devices
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some inaccuracies in word choice and spelling
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors that do not impede communication
- Arranges information coherently with clear overall progression
- Uses cohesive devices effectively, though there may be some under/over-use
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary; errors in word choice and spelling may cause difficulty for the reader
- Uses a limited range of structures with some attempt to use complex sentences
- Presents information with some organization but there may be lack of overall progression
- Makes inadequate, inaccurate or over-use of cohesive devices
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Intervention (noun) – /ˌɪntəˈvenʃən/ – the action of becoming involved in a situation to improve or help it
- Affordability (noun) – /əˌfɔːrdəˈbɪləti/ – the state of being cheap enough for people to be able to buy
- Speculative bubble (noun phrase) – /ˈspekjələtɪv ˈbʌbl/ – a situation in which the price of an asset rises far above its real value
- Incentivize (verb) – /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – to encourage or motivate someone to do something
- Streamlined (adjective) – /ˈstriːmlaɪnd/ – made more efficient and effective by removing unnecessary parts or simplifying processes
- Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle differences or distinctions in expression, meaning, or response
- Exacerbate (verb) – /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – to make a problem or bad situation worse
- Paradoxically (adverb) – /ˌpærəˈdɒksɪkli/ – in a way that seems impossible or difficult to understand because of containing two opposite facts or characteristics
- Suboptimal (adjective) – /sʌbˈɒptɪməl/ – below the highest level or standard; not optimal
- Vulnerable (adjective) – /ˈvʌlnərəbl/ – capable of being physically or emotionally wounded or hurt
Conclusion
The impact of government policies on real estate prices is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the different perspectives and using appropriate vocabulary and structures, you can craft a well-argued essay that addresses all aspects of the question.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The effects of zoning laws on housing affordability
- The role of foreign investment in domestic real estate markets
- The impact of urban planning policies on property values
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to practice regularly and seek feedback on your essays. Consider sharing your practice essays in the comments section below for peer review and constructive criticism. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.
Effects of inflation on real estate markets and how rising inflation affects home loans are also important factors to consider when discussing government policies and real estate prices.