(Opinion) Progress and momentum on housing reform

Housing remains the foremost issue, and additional steps are needed to address the cost and availability of housing in our state

BY NATCH GREYES

New Hampshire has made important progress over the past year toward improving the cost and availability of housing. Thanks to strong collaboration and commitment from our state’s legislators, local leaders and advocates, real momentum has been built. Much has been achieved, but housing remains the foremost issue in the minds of a majority of Granite Staters, and additional steps are needed to address the cost and availability of housing in our state.

Several key housing bills passed in 2025 that move the state in the right direction. We know these changes have meaningfully altered government regulations that have prevented the free market from building more of the housing that people want. These ideas, many of which were the subject of polling and supported by a supermajority of voters, have worked in other states to help lower the cost of housing and make their economies more attractive for businesses.

HB 577 expands the state’s Accessory Dwelling Unit law, allowing detached ADUs to be built by right. This change gives homeowners flexibility to create more housing options on existing properties and helps increase supply without altering neighborhood character.

HB 631 makes it possible to build housing in commercial zones, encouraging the reuse of underutilized properties and giving communities additional options for new development in areas that already have infrastructure and services in place.

SB 282 modernizes building codes to allow cost-efficient construction of smaller multifamily buildings, providing developers with additional, cost effective, options when planning out new developments.

SB 74 increases transparency in the state’s permitting process by requiring annual reporting on application activity and delays. This accountability will help identify and address bottlenecks that slow down housing development.

As New Hampshire looks toward the 2026 legislative session, there is much to be proud of. These reforms show that progress is possible and that thoughtful policy can make a meaningful difference. Legislators who worked to pass these measures deserve credit for advancing solutions that address the state’s housing challenges.

Still, not every good idea made it through. With single-family home prices reaching a record $565,000 this past June, placing homeownership out of reach for nearly 85% of Granite Staters, we know that more action needs to be taken. There are additional opportunities to streamline regulation, expand housing choices, and ensure local and state policies keep pace with growing demand. Continued attention and cooperation will be key to sustaining progress.

The accomplishments of 2025 demonstrate that New Hampshire can take meaningful steps to strengthen its housing market when policymakers, businesses and communities work together. Building on this momentum will be essential to ensuring that future generations can afford to live, work and raise families in the Granite State.

Attorney Natch Greyes is vice president of public policy at the Business & Industry Association.