Poll: Housing Affordability & Availability a Concern in North Carolina
Housing affordability and availability are seen as major issues in North Carolina, according to a recent poll undertaken by the state’s real estate association. While awareness is rising, the challenge remains in finding ways to deal with the problems.
In 2021, 52% of poll respondents saw housing affordability as a problem. That number increased to 65% in 2022. There also was a significant increase in identifying housing availability as another key concern. In 2021, 39% of respondents saw this as a problem with that number increasing to 50% in 2022.
Interestingly, poll participants were evenly split on whether building additional housing will help decrease the cost of housing, and whether there are too many local rules and regulations that inhibit building.
Density Versus Increased Supply
Reflecting the continuing dilemma for supporters of increased density and more residential building, 61% of poll respondents preferred to maintain the character and quality of life in their communities to increasing housing options. This includes limiting the construction of new housing and protecting existing neighborhoods. In response to advocating for denser developments, most respondents were more concerned with the strain on traffic (59%) rather than pressure on public services.
Short-Term Rental Remains a Dividing Issue
In a revealing disparity, there was strong support (77%) when asked if “property owners should be able to rent out their private property without government interference as long as the property meets all safety standards.” However, only a slight majority (52%) favored local governments being able to “set some limits or restrictions on private property rentals.” Such attitudes have been widely demonstrated in areas where the rise in short-term rentals has created issues for neighborhoods and governing bodies, and conflict between neighbors.
The survey, undertaken by NC REALTORS®, reached 827 adults, age 18 or older, who indicated they were registered to vote in North Carolina and were almost certain or probably will vote in the November midterm elections.