A new survey, conducted by YouGov and commissioned by Dallas Housing Coalition member Texans for Housing, reveals that Texans across the state are increasingly dissatisfied with housing availability and affordability, according to a press release issued today (Wednesday, April 16, by Dallas Housing Coalition.
The survey, conducted from March 11 through March 19, gathered responses from 801 registered voters in Texas, gauging their views on the state of the housing market and support for new policies, including the proposed Texas Starter Homes Act. The results demonstrate broad, bipartisan support for key reforms aimed at addressing the housing crisis.
Key findings include:
• Housing reforms are widely supported: Large majorities of Texas voters support key measures in the Texas Starter Homes Act, which seeks to allow more homes to be built in the state by relaxing restrictive local rules. Support includes allowing smaller single-family homes, smaller lots and yards, and eliminating mandatory homeowners’ association (HOA) amenity requirements.
• There is strong demand for policy changes: 61 percent of Texas voters support the Texas Starter Homes Act overall, with majorities across political affiliations. Support includes 70 percent of Democrats, 58 percent of Republicans, and a 43-27 margin among Independents, with the rest undecided.
• Housing is a top priority: When asked to identify their most pressing issues, 28 percent of Texans cited the cost of housing, ranking it among the top three statewide concerns behind inflation and immigration. Notably, housing is the top issue for Independent voters, surpassing immigration and job availability.
• Individual property rights won out over local government restrictions: A majority (62 percent) of voters believe that property owners should have flexibility to build diverse housing types on their land, rather than granting local governments the power to restrict development. This includes majorities across the state’s rural, suburban, and urban areas.
Ashley Owen Brundage, chair of the Dallas Housing Coalition and CEO of Dallas Habitat for Humanity, noted, “This survey gives us a detailed and bipartisan look at how Texans feel about the cost of housing in our state.
“Texas has a severe housing crisis. And it’s time we start treating it like the crisis it is,” Brundage continued. “We are only a decade or two behind where California is now. We must act urgently to find affordable housing solutions that provide a diverse mix of housing options to accommodate all budget needs.”
Broad-based concern about housing costs
The survey reveals deep dissatisfaction with the current state of housing in Texas. Approximately 44 percent of respondents labeled housing costs as a “major problem,” with another 42 percent calling it “somewhat a problem.”
Dissatisfaction spans geographic regions, with majorities in rural, suburban and urban areas voicing concerns about affordability and availability.
Texans also expressed frustration with local efforts to address affordability, with 47 percent rating their community’s performance as “poor” or “very poor” and only 12 percent rating it positively.
A mere 26 percent of voters believe the state is providing enough housing to meet the needs of its residents.
Support for broader housing reforms
Beyond the Texas Starter Homes Act, voters expressed strong backing for additional housing initiatives, such as:
• Building housing near business districts and transit hubs.
• Allowing faith institutions to develop affordable housing on land they own.
• Turning vacant office and commercial buildings into residential spaces.
• Facilitating the construction of accessory dwelling units, such as backyard cottages or garage apartments, on existing residential lots.
The survey found that all these measures garnered majority support from Texas voters, with less than 20 percent opposing each policy.
A mandate for action
“This survey sends a clear message to policymakers in Texas,” said Felicity Maxwell, executive director of Texans for Housing. “Texans from all walks of life are unified in their desire for solutions to the housing crisis. This survey data proves that voters want more affordable homes and greater diversity in housing options, and they support bold steps like the Texas Starter Homes Act to achieve that goal. It’s time to act.”
With momentum building behind these critical reforms, Dallas Housing Coalition and Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity are calling on state leaders to prioritize expanding housing opportunities and ensuring affordability for all Texans.
In March, representatives from both organizations traveled to both Washington, D.C., to meet with federal lawmakers, and Austin, Texas to meet with state legislators to advocate for their support of several pro-housing bills like the Texas Starter Homes Act. In addition, members from Dallas Housing Coalition will travel to Austin on May 6 to meet with lawmakers and attend Senate and House committee meetings to further advocate for pro-housing legislation.