The State of the Nation's Housing 2026

Persistent affordability challenges and rising economic uncertainty are hurting housing conditions. Sales of existing homes sit at three-decade lows, inventories are rising, and rents have declined. Cost burdens for both renters and owners continue to climb, while assistance remains profoundly underfunded. States and localities are seeking new tools to bring down costs, but private-sector innovations and more robust federal action will also be necessary to meaningfully reduce widespread housing challenges.