HOUSING IN NH
We Need Action
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 is not only a concern for homeowners and renters, but also for business owners and the broader community. Young people, in particular, are bearing the brunt of this crisis, which is deeply impacting the state’s workforce and its future economic stability.
Key Facts
The 2025–2026 state budget makes no new investments in housing.
While the budget continues the $5 million Housing Champion Program, which helps municipalities pursue zoning and infrastructure reforms to spur housing development, it does not increase funding for this initiative or allocate any new dollars toward affordable housing production.
Housing advocates and lawmakers had pushed for additional resources—such as expanding the Housing Champion program and adding new funds to the Affordable Housing Fund—but those proposals were ultimately left out of the final $15.9 billion package.
Young leaders in the House and Senate fought for more robust housing investments, but meaningful increases will require continued advocacy in future budget cycles to ensure every Granite Stater has access to safe, affordable housing.
New Hampshire is facing a severe housing shortage, with demand outpacing supply & driving up prices.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the housing crisis in NH, with more people moving to the state & working remotely, increasing demand for housing.
The state has a high cost of living, which can make it difficult for low- & middle-income families to afford housing.
Homelessness is a growing problem in NH, with an estimated 1,400 people experiencing homelessness on any given night.
HOW'D WE GET HERE?
New Hampshire’s housing crisis didn’t happen overnight. Several factors have combined to create today’s shortage:
Restrictive land use and 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.
Tips For Talking With Your Networks
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Share your story.
Be personal, often the most compelling testimonies share personal stories & experiences. Talk about how much you pay for rent, what percentage of your income goes to rent, etc.
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Talk about solutions.
The solution to NH's 23,000+ unit deficit of housing begins with each one of us taking action!
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Share resources.
You don't 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.
What Can You Do?
Host a Connect + Conquer Community Meetup! 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!
