A new poll from the Bipartisan Policy Center reveals that 83% of registered voters want Congress to address housing affordability, with 89% calling on the House and Senate to pass a bill specifically aimed at lowering costs. The survey of 1,000 registered voters underscores the issue's bipartisan urgency.
The poll's findings come amid persistently high home prices and rents nationwide, though the survey did not break down support by region or political affiliation. The Bipartisan Policy Center, a Washington think tank, conducted the poll to gauge public sentiment ahead of potential federal housing legislation.
Mortgage rates remain elevated, hovering near multi-decade highs, which has squeezed buyer purchasing power and kept many would-be homeowners on the sidelines. The poll suggests voters see Congress as a key lever for relief, though specific policy proposals were not tested.
For sellers, high rates and low inventory have created a frozen market in many metros, with days on market lengthening. Buyers face stiff competition for affordable listings, while renters grapple with rising lease costs.
Economists caution that federal action alone may not quickly alleviate housing shortages, which are largely driven by local zoning and supply constraints. The poll's findings could amplify pressure on lawmakers to prioritize housing bills, but legal and regulatory hurdles remain significant.