Bipartisan Policy Center survey finds strong support for housing reform and affordable housing expansion
As home prices and rents continue to rise across the country, a growing majority of voters say Congress must take action to address the nation’s housing affordability crisis.
According to a recent survey released by the Bipartisan Policy Center, 88% of respondents said “now is the worst time to buy a home.” The poll, conducted in April with research firm Advocates Partners, surveyed 1,000 registered voters nationwide.
The survey found that 83% of respondents believe Congress should take steps to reduce housing costs, while 79% said housing expenses are among the largest financial burdens facing their households. Another 57% reported that rising housing costs have made it more difficult to afford other essentials, including food, healthcare, and transportation.
The findings come as lawmakers debate the Housing for the 21st Century Act, a sweeping housing reform package considered one of the most significant federal housing efforts in decades. However, progress on the legislation has slowed amid competing White House priorities and political disagreements in Congress.
Dennis Shea said the survey clearly demonstrates the pressure voters are feeling over housing affordability.
“Voters across the country are struggling with housing costs and want Congress to respond,” Shea said.
One of the most debated provisions in the legislation would limit institutional investors from owning large numbers of single-family homes. Versions of the bill in both the House and Senate would prohibit institutional investors from owning more than 350 single-family properties.
About 70% of respondents said they support restrictions on institutional investors purchasing homes. Support was relatively strong among both Democratic and Republican voters, with younger voters under age 44 expressing particularly strong backing.
However, public opinion became more divided when respondents were told such restrictions could reduce the supply of rental housing. About 37% said they would support the proposal even more strongly, while 31% said they might withdraw support and 32% remained undecided.
Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized institutional investors for their growing role in the housing market. In January, Trump signed an executive order aimed at limiting investor activity in residential housing, and he later urged Congress during his February address to codify similar restrictions into law.
At the same time, some lawmakers have opposed the investor limits. Last month, 76 members of the House “Build America Caucus” reportedly called for revisions or removal of the provision.
The survey also showed broad support for several other housing policy changes. About 76% of respondents supported reducing federal regulations that increase construction costs and delay development. Another 84% favored expanding access to affordable mortgage loans. More than 77% backed reforms to federal rental assistance programs, while 65% supported policies encouraging local governments to ease zoning and land-use restrictions.
Despite partisan differences over specific approaches, voters broadly expressed frustration with political gridlock in Washington. About 76% said they want bipartisan cooperation on housing legislation, while 89% agreed that affordable housing should be easier to build nationwide.
