Affordable Housing Survey: Americans Optimistic About Home Builder Market After Passage of Housing Bill
By Heidi Pratt
In early July 2026, the U.S. congress passed one of the most wide-reaching housing laws in the past several decades. Officially called the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the law aims to address the housing crisis affecting much of the United States through a number of specific tactics.
In light of this bill, we wanted to get a pulse on how Americans now view affordable housing, and if the passage of the law is affecting their homeownership plans for the future.
Nearly 6 in 10 Say the New Law Will Encourage Homeownership
We surveyed more than 1,000 people from across the U.S. about affordable housing in their areas. 99% of respondents agree that affordable housing is an issue where they live, with 61% saying it is a major issue.
With the new law now in effect, 68% believe that housing is likely to become more affordable in their area, while 32% are skeptical. However, 58% of respondents believe the law will encourage more Americans to consider homeownership.
When asked what they view as the largest obstacles to buying a home, the most common response by far was that housing prices are just too high. The full list of responses includes:
- Prices are too high – 43%
- Disinterest in buying a home- 23%
- Mortgage rates are too high – 12%
- Can’t afford down payment – 11%
- Concerned about debt – 5%
- Don’t qualify for mortgage – 4%
- Not enough home available – 2%
Americans Believe Restricting Private Equity Will Improve Affordable Housing the Most
As mentioned, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act encompasses many different tactics for improving housing affordability. Survey respondents believe that restricting private equity firms from buying single-family homes will prove the most effective strategy, while loosening mortgage restrictions for banks and credit unions will have the least effect.
The full breakdown is as follows:
More Than Half of Potential Homeowners Say the New Law Makes Them More Likely to Buy
52% of Americans surveyed say they are considering buying a home in the next 5 years. Among them, 54% say the housing affordability law makes them more likely to buy a home, and 69% agree that the new law makes them feel more optimistic about their ability to afford to buy.
Interestingly, reported optimism levels increase as the respondents’ ages decrease, with Gen Z being the most optimistic and Baby Boomers the least optimistic about their ability to afford housing.
4 in 10 Potential Sellers Concerned About Home Value
20% of Americans are considering selling a home in the next 5 years. Of these, 25% say the new housing law makes them more likely to sell a home, 13% are less likely to sell a home, and 63% say the law has not changed their mindset about selling. However, 42% of potential sellers say they are concerned that the new law will reduce the value of the home they are intending to sell.
The Takeaway: Home Builder Market Remains Strong
Overall, survey findings and search trends indicate that the home builder market is likely to gain momentum. Although Americans expressed some skepticism that the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act will improve affordable housing overall, the majority believe that it will have positive effects on homebuying. Many Americans who previously would have been unable to afford homes may now be on the market. As the home builder market gains momentum, a strong SEO strategy can help home builders connect with this expanding pool of buyers and convert online searches into qualified leads.
Methodology and Fair Use
In July 2026, we surveyed 1,003 Americans on their thoughts about the new affordable housing law. 49% identified as men, 49% identified as women, and 2% identified as non-binary. Ages ranged from 18-74 with an average age of 41. For media inquiries, contact media@digitalthirdcoast.net. When using any of these findings, please attribute by linking to this study and citing Digital Third Coast.