Wednesday, March 19, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
Yesterday’s 2025 Homeownership Conference provided a sobering look at New Hampshire’s housing market, highlighting critical issues affecting homebuyers, sellers, and the broader economy. With rising costs, inventory shortages, and evolving policies, it’s clear that we are at a turning point. Here’s what the public needs to know.
Housing Affordability: A Growing Concern
According to Rob Dapice, CEO of New Hampshire Housing, the state is facing a severe housing shortage. The average price of a single-family home now exceeds $500,000, making homeownership increasingly out of reach for many residents. Meanwhile, rental prices continue to rise, with the median two-bedroom apartment now costing $1,833 per month—and only 13% of rental units considered affordable for the median renter.
This affordability crisis is not just a concern for those looking to buy or rent—it affects workforce retention, economic growth, and even local businesses st ...
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Thursday, February 13, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
The Vanishing Young Homebuyer: Why ADUs Could Be the Key to Homeownership
The dream of homeownership is slipping further away from young Americans. The median age of first-time homebuyers has risen from 28 in 1991 to 38 in 2024. Repeat buyers, once averaging 42 years old, now don’t purchase again until they hit 61. The trends are clear—people are buying later in life, and younger buyers are struggling to break into the market. But why? And more importantly, how do we fix it?
Why Are First-Time Buyers Struggling?
Several factors contribute to this dramatic shift:
Home Prices Outpacing Wages – The cost of a home has skyrocketed compared to income growth, making it harder to save for a down payment.
Limited Inventory – A chronic shortage of homes, especially in affordable price ranges, means buyers face fierce competition.
Student Debt & Inflation – Young buyers carry heavier financial burdens, limiting their ability to qualify for mortg. ...
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