We need drastic overhaul of how we do our zoning laws.

If I were made dictator-mayor of my city (Brisbane), the first thing I'd do is eliminate all low-density residential (LDR) zoning. It would all be replaced with LMR (low-medium density residential), which allows up to 3 storeys for townhouses and apartments.

We need overhaul at the state and federal levels as well. Much, much more publicly-owned housing. Better protections for tenants. Things like levies on empty or potentially even under-occupied homes. A sensible approach to public and active transport, and more public spaces (parks, pools, etc.) to make living in these higher-density environments more comfortable and feasible. But the first thing I'd do is simply allow people by right to build medium density housing on the land they own. Take that control out of the huge developers who can lobby for 40 storey skyscrapers in the inner city and spread it out.