Three-Quarters of Global Population Cutting Essentials to Afford…

Event summary

75% of respondents in 22 countries cut essentials in the past year to afford housing, per Habitat for Humanity's global report.
33% reduced food spending, 32% dipped into savings, and 13% delayed medical care due to housing costs.
48% of respondents say one unexpected problem could threaten their ability to stay housed.
56% believe their country's housing system is broken or not working for them.
Survey conducted between April 10 and June 30, 2026, with 30,758 participants across 22 countries.

The big picture

Habitat for Humanity's report highlights a global housing affordability crisis that is forcing difficult trade-offs on essential living expenses. The findings underscore the systemic failures in housing markets, particularly for lower-income groups and younger generations. The report calls for coordinated action from governments, businesses, and communities to create more sustainable housing systems. The data suggests that without intervention, housing pressures will continue to delay major life milestones and exacerbate economic inequality.

What we're watching

Policy Response: Whether governments will increase housing investment and implement structural reforms to address affordability crises.
Private Sector Innovation: How businesses will expand and innovate housing finance opportunities to make homeownership more accessible.
Climate Resilience: The pace at which housing safety standards will adapt to climate change risks, particularly in vulnerable regions.