Housing affordability has become a major issue in New Hampshire’s 2026 governor’s race, with Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte and Democratic challenger Cinde Warmington offering different approaches to expanding housing supply and lowering costs.
In an October 15 report, New Hampshire Public Radio examined the candidates’ records and proposals as the state continues to face high home prices, rising rents, and a shortage of available housing.
Two Different Approaches to Housing
Ayotte has focused on increasing construction by reducing regulatory barriers. During her first term, she signed legislation allowing multifamily housing in certain commercially zoned areas, supported expanded options for accessory dwelling units, and backed a requirement for state agencies to process housing permits within 60 days.
Her administration also plans to direct approximately $1.7 million in federal funding toward New Hampshire’s Affordable Housing Fund. However, housing advocates have argued that the fund’s existing $5 million in annual state revenue is insufficient to address the scale of the shortage.
Warmington has proposed a more direct investment approach. If elected, she says she would dedicate state funding to the Affordable Housing Fund and the Housing Champions program, which supports municipalities working to address housing shortages.
She has also proposed restricting private-equity firms from purchasing homes in New Hampshire and raising rents. Additionally, Warmington wants to reverse a law signed by Ayotte that allows landlords to end tenancies when leases expire, subject to applicable legal requirements.
Why the Debate Matters for Real Estate
The candidates’ proposals highlight a central question facing New Hampshire: whether increasing construction opportunities alone will be enough to improve affordability, or whether additional public investment and tenant protections are also necessary.
Reducing zoning restrictions and speeding up permitting could help developers bring projects to market more quickly. However, construction costs and financing challenges can still make affordable developments difficult to complete.
Additional public funding could help bridge that gap, particularly for projects designed for lower-income households. At the same time, proposals affecting landlords and property investors could influence how rental properties are purchased, managed, and financed.
For buyers, renters, developers, and property owners, the outcome of the election could shape the state's housing priorities and the policies municipalities must navigate in the coming years.
With affordability continuing to challenge households across New Hampshire, housing policy is likely to remain a central issue as voters approach the November election.
Discussion
Thoughts from readers and local market watchers.