> you don't generally destroy the used car in order to build a new one

There is very little de-densification construction happening in hot housing markets.

De-densification isn't required; a one-for-one knocking down and rebuilding of a single family residence suffices.

> De-densification isn't required; a one-for-one knocking down and rebuilding of a single family residence suffices

Sure. The only reason developers do that is because land-use restrictions prevent the construction of denser, more-profitable and more-efficient housing.