#United States #Atlanta #Habitat for Humanity #housing costs #basic needs

Housing Costs Force Tough Choices

A groundbreaking report released by Habitat for Humanity International highlights the stark reality faced by millions across the globe due to skyrocketing housing costs. The comprehensive study, titled Home, at What Cost?, sheds light on how these expenses impact individuals' lives, often compelling them to forgo essential needs such as nutrition and healthcare.

The Global Landscape of Housing Affordability

Conducted between April and June 2026, the report is based on responses from over 30,000 individuals in 22 countries, illustrating a chilling trend: three out of four respondents have had to limit their spending on basic necessities to afford housing. Those most affected include vulnerable populations living in informal housing (89%), low-income communities (85%), and younger generations, including millennials and Generation Z (81%).

Digging deeper into the financial habits driven by housing costs, the report noted that one-third of respondents spend less on food, 32% dip into their savings or emergency funds, and 13% either delay or avoid necessary medical care to ensure they can afford their home.

The Impact of Housing Cost on Future Aspirations

The financial strain of housing isn’t just a present-day struggle; it also significantly affects individuals' hopes for the future. Almost half (48%) of those surveyed worry that a single unexpected expense could jeopardize their ability to maintain their home. This situation also prompts compromises related to safety, with 40% admitting they accept certain risks tied to their living conditions because safer options are unaffordable.

Jonathan Reckford, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, stressed the importance of housing as a foundation for health and opportunity, stating, "Home should never come at the cost of health or future. Over half of the population believes the housing system in their country is broken or simply not working for them." Reckford urged for collaborative solutions to build a housing system that empowers people for the future, rather than just surviving the present.

Family Planning at Risk

The ramifications of elevated housing costs extend beyond financial instability and influence family planning decisions. More than half (56%) of respondents indicated that housing expenses hinder their ability to start a family. This concern is even more pronounced among millennials and Generation Z, where 62% share similar worries.

Parenting is also impacted, with 58% of parents expressing concerns that high housing costs limit opportunities for their children, thereby delaying vital life milestones and affecting long-term stability.

In high-income countries, fears about homeownership are particularly acute. In Canada, over half of non-homeowners (56%) lack confidence in ever owning a home, with numbers even higher (42%) in the United States. Conversely, countries with lower gross national income demonstrate even higher dissatisfaction with housing options, as seen in nations like Ivory Coast (66%) and Ethiopia (63%), compared to the global average of 35%.

Housing as a Source of Stress

For many, their housing situation is a significant source of stress, with 35% citing it as one of their top stressors. This figure escalates to 64% for those living under informal agreements and 39% for younger generations.

Renters are particularly affected, almost 1.5 times more than homeowners, with 28% believing their housing conditions adversely impact their health, compared to 19% of homeowners.

The survey found that nearly 90% of participants believe stable, safe housing is vital for mental well-being. This underscores that housing is far from being solely a financial concern; it is integral to quality of life, resilience, and the ability to lead a healthy life.

Climate Change and Housing Security

As climate change poses growing challenges, around 30% of people anticipate that extreme weather events will complicate their living conditions within the next three years. Additionally, 18% indicate their current homes do not offer protection against severe weather such as extreme heat, cold, or flooding.

The Call to Action

Habitat for Humanity emphasizes the need for governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to prioritize housing accessibility. The organization calls on governments to move from housing promises to actionable plans, urging businesses to innovate and broaden housing financing options, and rallying communities to advocate for sustainable housing solutions.

The full report, rich with insights and demographic breakdowns, provides a clearer picture of how housing impacts daily life. To learn more about the findings and the mission of Habitat for Humanity International, visit habitat.org/HomeAtWhatCost.