Habitat for Humanity Survey of 30,758 People in 22 Countries: 75% Cut Back on Essentials to Afford Housing
Habitat for Humanity International released a global research report, “Home at What Cost?”, in Atlanta on October 5, 2026, finding that housing costs are forcing millions of people into difficult trade-offs. Based on nationally representative surveys of 30,758 people across 22 countries, the report found that three in four respondents (75%) have cut back on at least one expense in the past year to afford housing costs, including 33% who spent less on food and 13% who delayed or avoided medical care.
The survey was conducted between April 10 and June 30, 2026, across 22 countries including the United States. The pressures fall hardest on people already facing greater housing vulnerability: 89% of those living in informal arrangements cut back on expenses, as did 85% of lower-income respondents and 81% of Gen Z and Millennials. Nearly one-third (32%) dipped into savings or emergency funds, nearly half (48%) said one unexpected problem could threaten their ability to stay housed, 40% said they accept some level of housing risk because safer options are out of reach, and 56% said the housing system in their country is broken or does not work.
The report also found that 56% of respondents say housing costs make it difficult to consider starting a family, rising to 62% among Gen Z and Millennials; 58% of parents and guardians worry that housing costs are limiting opportunities for their children; and more than one in three (35%) say their housing situation is one of the biggest sources of stress in their lives. In the United States, nearly half of non-homeowners (42%) say they don't expect to own a home at some point in their life.
“A home should never come at the cost of your health or your future. It should be the foundation of health, opportunity and financial security. Yet more than half of people believe the housing system in their country is broken or simply isn't working for them,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “We cannot accept a future where people have to lower their expectations for what a home should provide.” Habitat is calling on governments to move from housing promises to housing pathways through political commitment and investment, on businesses to expand and innovate housing finance opportunities, and on partners and individuals to help drive lasting housing solutions.
Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has helped more than 65 million people globally build their futures through access to decent housing. The full report is available at habitat.org/HomeAtWhatCost.
Source: GSM·USA
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 尼泊尔山坡民居（Habitat for Humanity《Home at What Cost?》报告官方照片） Hillside homes in Nepal (official photo, Habitat for Humanity, Home at What Cost?)
