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A Call to Address Housing Affordability Crisis

In a groundbreaking global research study released by Habitat for Humanity International, startling findings reveal that three out of four individuals worldwide are making difficult trade-offs on essential needs due to rising housing costs. The report, entitled "What Price Home?", draws on national surveys from over 30,000 people across 22 countries, illustrating that the true costs of housing extend far beyond rent or mortgage payments; they encompass what individuals relinquish to secure a place to call home.

According to the report, a staggering 75% of respondents indicated that they have reduced at least one expense in the last year to afford housing. This burden affects the most vulnerable populations, with 89% of those living in informal conditions, 85% from low-income groups, and 81% of millennials and Generation Z making such compromises. These compromises often press into the realm of essentials, where 33% report spending less on groceries, 32% dip into savings or emergency funds, and 13% postpone or avoid medical care altogether to make housing payments.

Despite these sacrifices, many households remain at risk, with nearly half (48%) stating that one unforeseen issue could jeopardize their ability to maintain their homes. Additionally, safety compromises are increasingly common; 40% admit accepting a level of housing risk, acknowledging that safer options are simply out of reach. The report reflects a pervasive lack of confidence in the housing systems of many countries, with 56% believing their housing systems are broken or ineffective.

Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, emphasized the importance of housing as a fundamental cornerstone of health and opportunity, stating, "A home should never cost your health or your future. It should be a foundation for health, opportunity, and financial security."

Impact on Family Planning and Future Aspirations

The report also highlights how housing expenses influence broader social issues, particularly in family planning and future aspirations. More than half (56%) of the surveyed population indicated that housing costs make it difficult to start a family, a sentiment that rises to 62% among younger adults, including millennials and Generation Z. Furthermore, nearly 58% of parents and guardians expressed concerns that housing costs would limit their children’s opportunities, underscoring how financial pressures delay life milestones and hinder long-term stability.

Concerns about homeownership are most pronounced in higher-income countries, particularly in North America, where over half of non-homeowners in Canada (56%) and about 42% in the U.S. express doubt about ever owning a home. Meanwhile, dissatisfaction with housing is most prevalent in low-income countries, such as Ivory Coast (66%) and Ethiopia (63%), surpassing the global average of 35%.

The stress associated with housing remains a significant concern, with 35% of individuals citing their housing situation as a major source of stress, which increases to 64% for those living in informal housing conditions and 39% among younger respondents. Renters are significantly more likely than homeowners to report potential adverse effects on their health due to their living situations (28% vs 19%).

The report indicates that a secure, comfortable, and reliable home supports mental health for 89% of respondents globally, highlighting that housing is not merely a financial issue but fundamentally shapes well-being, resilience, and the capacity for individuals to care for themselves and their families.

Climate Change and Housing Security

Moreover, climate change poses an increasing threat to housing stability, with nearly 30% of individuals anticipating that extreme weather conditions will complicate their lives in the coming three years. Eighteen percent noted that their homes are ill-equipped to protect them from such extreme conditions, including heat, cold, or flooding.

To address this crisis, governments, private sector businesses, civil society, and individuals need to collectively ensure access to housing that empowers rather than constrains. Habitat for Humanity calls for a shift from housing promises to tangible pathways through political commitment and investment; innovative funding solutions from businesses; actionable data from peers and partners advocating for policy change, funding, and accountability; and individuals using their voices, skills, and networks to push for long-term housing solutions.

This report includes further breakdowns of findings, including country-specific and demographic data.

For more information about the report or to learn more about Habitat for Humanity International, visit habitat.org/HomeAtWhatCost.

Methodology

The national representative survey was conducted between April 10 and June 30, 2026, across 22 countries, with the participation of 30,758 individuals. The study explored perceptions of housing in daily life, aiming to expand existing data on housing by examining how it relates to security, accessibility, stability, dignity, health, opportunities, and a sense of community.

About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a worldwide movement that strives to create thriving communities by ensuring that everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home. Since its founding in 1976 as a Christian organization, Habitat for Humanity has helped over 65 million people worldwide build their futures on their terms by providing access to decent housing. The organization advocates for policies that support housing access and affordability, working collaboratively with people from all walks of life to build, repair, and finance their homes. Together, they are creating homes, communities, and hope. To learn more, visit habitat.org.