Voters Say Congress Can Make Homeownership Easier — If it Acts

This article's content was taken from the NAR article, Advocacy Scoop: Consumers Say Yes to Policies That Ease Homebuying, by Ross Hettervig, January 30, 2026.

It's no secret that most Americans would like to own a home. Unfortunately, the majority of non-homeowners don't see a path to that reality. Could the government actually create policies to help change that?

Source: National Association of REALTORS® National Survey of 800 voters, Jan 12-14, 2026.

A new consumer poll of attitudes on housing affordability and homeownership can give policymakers some things to think about. The poll, conducted by the National Association of Realtors, shows that consumers, a.k.a. voters, overwhelmingly say housing affordability is a top national concern — and they believe Congress can take meaningful action to make homeownership more attainable.

Topline Findings

Housing affordability is a voting issue, ranking among the most important issues for voters when deciding how to vote for Congress.

Buying Sentiment remains historically low. Only 17% of voters say now is a good time to buy a home, compared to 59% in 2013.

Homeownership remains central to the American Dream, with 85% of voters saying owning a home is an essential part of the American Dream — up from 79% in 2013.

Policies Voters Want to See

The NAR survey shows that Republicans, Independents, and Democrats would support Congressional proposals to:

• Allow tax-free savings for down payments (84%)

• Offer a one-time home sale with no capital gains taxes (76%)

• Expand capital gains tax thresholds on home sales (67%)

• Create incentives for investors to sell homes to first-time buyers (71%)

• Require affordable rental units through tax incentives (71%)

Voters Want Action

Voters across the political spectrum (64%) say buying or selling a home would become easier if new housing proposals like these were passed by Congress. They believe homeownership still defines the American Dream, and they support commonsense, bipartisan policies that expand supply, lower costs, and help families move into homes.

Call Your Representatives Today

If you want to see these policies put forward in Congress and on the 2026 campaign trail, forward this research to your representatives. CLICK HERE for a PDF of the findings. Don't know who your representatives are? CLICK HERE to find out.

Source: This article's content was taken from this NAR article, Advocacy Scoop: Consumers Say Yes to Policies That Ease Homebuying, by Ross Hettervig, January 30, 2016.