I agree with OP, the original system was less harmful than the current one, I didn't like the black market but it was still better than this because if you were attentive you could catch the properties that got demolished. where as now you may be attentive but then you have to fight a dozen other players for it that showed up late to the party. What's worse is 4/5 plots i've camped have had someone relocate into them without any waiting, making all that effort wasted and starting over with a new plot.

The easiest solution would be to expand the apartments to having access to indoor gardening, create small village instances with houses and just overall implement more housing. I personally like the idea of communities but there is absolutely zero benefit to having houses in giant lots like we have.

SE "20 million players!"
Also SE "5,700 houses per server, have fun you filthy animals"