Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies

A Harvard study reveals that the historical era of middle-class homeownership in the U.S. was an anomaly driven by specific conditions, not a natural economic norm. The 2026 State of the Nation’s Housing report highlights persistent affordability challenges, weakening demand, and structural issues like student debt and job market instability exacerbating the crisis.

The Senate is set to pass a bipartisan housing bill aimed at increasing supply and lowering prices by reducing federal regulations and banning corporate investors from buying single-family homes. The legislation, negotiated by lawmakers from both parties, is expected to be approved by the House and signed by President Donald Trump, who supports the measure to address the housing affordability crisis.

The Senate is set to pass a bipartisan housing bill aimed at increasing housing supply and lowering prices by banning corporate investors from buying single-family homes. The legislation, which emerged from House-Senate negotiations, seeks to reduce federal regulations, expand homeownership opportunities, and address affordability challenges. The House is expected to approve the bill later this week before it is sent to President Donald Trump.

Household growth in the U.S. slowed for the third consecutive year in 2025, according to Harvard University's State of the Nation's Housing 2026 report. The study attributes this decline to high housing costs and a shortage of available units.