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 ...
Read More
real estate, new hampshire, new hampshire homes, local market expertise, buying a home, lakes region, real estate market, new hampshire broker, home buying process, home buying journey, finding a home, lakes region homes for sale, local area specialists in nh, new hampshire real estate, new hampshire housing policy, workforce housing in nh, accessory dwelling units, hoper program, laconia nh housing market, housing conference
Friday, February 7, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
Cushman & Wakefield’s latest report confirms what we already know—housing affordability is in crisis. But Laconia has a choice: Step up, adapt, and fix this—or get left behind (again).
The Hard Truth in the Numbers
The latest Cushman & Wakefield U.S. Multifamily MarketBeat Report lays it all out: Read the full report here:
https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-states/insights/us-marketbeats/us-multifamily-marketbeat
Vacancy rates are up slightly, but don’t be fooled—demand for affordable housing is still outpacing supply.
Rents are rising, even as the market shifts.
New construction is slowing due to labor shortages and material costs, making the housing crisis even worse.
First-time buyers & Workforce housing applicants are getting outbid, leaving locals struggling to stay in their own communities.
And here’s where it gets even more frustrating: Zoning restrictions are preventing Laconia from using ; ...
Read More
real estate, local market expertise, lakes region, real estate market, finding a home, transparency in real estate, lakes region homes for sale, future of real estate, workforce housing in nh, laconia housing
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
Everyone loves to talk about the housing crisis in New Hampshire. We hear it all the time—businesses can’t find workers, young professionals and retirees are being priced out, and rental prices are skyrocketing beyond reach. But here’s the truth: talking isn’t enough.
Last year, 18 communities in NH earned the prestigious Housing Champion designation, unlocking millions in funding, grants, and resources to develop workforce and affordable housing. Laconia wasn’t one of them. Not because we don’t need it—but because the loudest voices were the ones shouting “no.”
I recently had a conversation with an elderly, former military gentleman who summed up what we’re up against. He refuses to tell people he’s retired—because, in his words, “then they’ll expect me to contribute.” (Imagine that—being part of a community!) He then went on to insist that there’s “no room” for those ? ...
Read More
new hampshire, real estate, new hampshire homes, local market expertise, laconia nh housing market, new hampshire housing policy, housing shortage in new hampshire, housing champion program nh, laconia economic growth, workforce housing in nh
