Housing in NH

Granite Staters are no stranger to the housing shortage

The Facts

With a housing deficit of over 23,000 units and a vacancy rate of less than 1%, the Granite State is grappling with a significant shortage of housing.

This scarcity affects homeowners and renters alike, and young people, in particular are bearing the brunt of rising home costs. NH’s median single-family home is $580,000, while the median monthly rent for a two-bedroom home, including utilities, is $1,833.

Business owners are increasingly concerned about the housing shortage as it threatens the state’s workforce and future economic stability.

How Did We Get Here?

New Hampshire’s housing crisis didn’t happen overnight. Several factors have combined to create today’s shortage:

  • Restrictive zoning laws: Our state has some of the most rigid zoning regulations in the country, making it difficult to build new housing or repurpose existing properties.

  • Local resistance to development (NIMBYism): “Not In My Backyard” attitudes often block affordable and multifamily housing projects, with residents opposing changes they fear will alter their neighborhoods.

Together, these forces choke the supply of new housing—driving up costs and leaving many Granite Staters priced out.

We Need to Invest in Housing

Lawmakers can make an impact on housing availability through the 2027-2028 state budget by increasing funding for affordable housing production and the Housing Champion Program — this program helps municipalities pursue zoning and infrastructure reforms to spur housing development.

Young leaders in the House and Senate should continue to fight for more robust housing investments. Meaningful increases in funding will require continued advocacy in future budget cycles to ensure every Granite Stater has access to safe, affordable housing.

Talk to Your Network

Share Your Story: Be personal. Often the most compelling testimonies share personal stories and experiences. Talk about how much you pay for rent, what percentage of your income goes to rent, etc.

Talk About Solutions: The solution to NH’s housing deficit begins with each one of us taking action! Talk to your friends and family about the need for varied home choices and increased funding to promote housing production.

Share Resources: You do not have to be an expert on everything, so if someone asks a question, share a resource like 603 Forward or The Forward Foundation to help address their question or concern.

Urge your elected officials to support pro-housing policies + show up to support local housing projects. Share your housing story! Follow @603Forward + @FWDFoundationNH on social media to help amplify!

TAKE ACTION