NAR supports major housing reforms in 2026 legislative agenda

"With a goal of streamlined permitting, expanded infrastructure investments, and new developments to increases housing supply and affordability across the country, NAR has been a strong proponent of the ROAD to Housing Act since it was first introduced in the fall of 2024. The ROAD to Housing Act recognizes what Realtors see every day on the ground: we don't have a demand problem in this country, we have a supply problem, McGahn said."

"With the nation facing a 4.7-million home shortage, these kinds of comprehensive, bipartisan solutions are exactly what's needed. Bryan Greene, NAR's vice president of advocacy, offered support for the bill by participating in a bipartisan Congressional Build America Caucus event in September, which spotlighted housing affordability and development challenges. Additionally, in December, NAR's immediate past president, Kevin Sears, participated in a House Financial Services Committee hearing to discuss this and other policies."

"As the bill progressed through the Senate this year, NAR lauded the chamber for passing it. But it did not make it through the House after being dropped from the National Defense Authorization Act. House Republicans have said they want to craft their own standalone housing proposal. NAR is still hopeful about the future of the bill. The fact that the ROAD to Housing Act has already passed the Senate shows there is real bipartisan momentum behind addressing housing supply, McGahn said."

The ROAD to Housing Act seeks to streamline permitting, expand infrastructure investment, and encourage new development to increase housing supply and affordability nationwide. The bill addresses permitting delays, incentivizes local pro-housing reforms, and modernizes federal programs to accelerate housing production and lower costs for buyers and renters. NAR leaders supported the measure through advocacy events and congressional testimony. The bill passed the Senate but was removed from the National Defense Authorization Act and stalled in the House, where Republicans expressed a preference for a standalone proposal. A House version, the Housing for the 21st Century Act, advanced through committee nearly unanimously.

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