9 in 10 Americans want affordable housing solution

An overwhelming majority of Americans say finding a solution to affordable housing issues is important

9 in 10 Americans want affordable housing solution
An overwhelming majority of Americans say finding a solution to affordable housing issues is important.

A survey by Habitat for Humanity across the US and Canada found that 9 in 10 believe that answers to homeownership barriers are required, especially as home prices continue to escalate.

The poll reveals that 72% of American respondents believe that housing costs will go up in the next five years and 65% said that they have struggled with housing costs at some point in their lives.

"In many ways, housing is an invisible crisis. There are still too many families without access to safe, secure and affordable housing," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "This survey highlights the value all of us place on a decent place to call home and underscores the critical need to increase access to affordable housing.

Owning a home is still very much part of the American Dream with 92% saying that homeownership is one of their greatest achievements in life while 68% of renters cite owning their own home as one of their top goals.

The high cost of housing is the top barrier to homeownership according to 84% of respondents followed by the ability to obtain a mortgage (72%). Three-quarters said that not enough is being done to tackle affordability of homes.

Around 80% of all respondents said that having affordable, stable housing contributes to public health, community safety, economic growth and education.