New Nanos poll says 76% frustrated by lack of progress on housing; 72% of renters have given up on owning; 3 in 5 say it’s “time for a change.”
The Niagara Association of REALTORS® (NAR) today released new polling conducted by Nanos Research showing that housing affordability remains a top concern for residents heading into the October 2026 municipal elections.
Nine in ten Niagara residents (84% agree; 6% somewhat agree) say they are worried about the next generation’s ability to afford a home. Three in four (61% agree; 15% somewhat agree) report being frustrated with the lack of progress on housing affordability, while 72% of renters say they have given up on ever owning a home.
The data also reveal a growing sense that housing will shape the 2026 campaign with 68% of residents saying the state of housing will influence how they vote (51% agree; 17% somewhat agree) and nearly three in five indicating it is “time for a change” (57%).
“Niagara families are demanding leadership on improving housing affordability,” said Lisa Taylor, 2025 Chair of NAR. “We are one year out from the next municipal elections, and voters want to know who has a plan to actually build more homes that local families can afford.”
Polling underscores policy urgency
The Nanos survey found that 79% of residents support or somewhat support lowering development charges (DCs) on new homes for all home buyers to improve affordability, and 76% support or somewhat support requiring municipalities to meet firm development approval timelines with penalties if deadlines are missed.
“These results show overwhelming public support for policy solutions to really tackle housing affordability and supply,” said Sarah Hart, Executive Officer of NAR. “Housing affordability is a generational issue that residents want to see addressed. While some progress has been made in Niagara on measures to make homes more affordable, this poll clearly shows more work needs to be done.”
Launching NAR’s 2026 Municipal Policy Platform
With just under a year to go until the October 2026 municipal elections, NAR is releasing its 2026 Municipal Policy Platform Building More Homes for Niagara Region Families, a roadmap for building the homes Niagara families need. NAR is releasing the platform at its 2025 Housing Symposium event in St. Catharines. The event is being attended by elected officials and housing sector leaders from across Niagara. The platform’s evidence-based recommendations directly align with what residents told Nanos Research they want local governments to prioritize:
- Lower the Cost to Build – Reform and harmonize local and regional development charges to reduce the hidden taxes that add tens of thousands to the price of a new home. Residents back relief on growth-related fees: nearly 4 in 5 (79%) support lowering development charges (DCs) for home buyers (69% support; 10% somewhat support), and 73% support lowering DCs for homes built in existing neighbourhoods (60% support; 13% somewhat support)
- Speed Up Approvals – Standardize approval timelines and implement “clock integrity” across all municipalities to cut red tape and build confidence among builders and buyers. The Nanos poll found that 76% of residents support requiring municipalities to meet firm timelines for development approvals with penalties if deadlines are missed (61% support; 15% somewhat support).
- Unlock Gentle Density – Permit up to four units on serviced residential lots, expanding attainable housing options for families, newcomers, and seniors. Over half (42% support, 14% somewhat support) of residents support building more multi-unit (4-6 units) homes in existing neighbourhoods.
- Put Public Land to Public Use – Niagara Region should accelerate the release of surplus municipal and regional lands for attainable and mixed-income housing. This recommendation would align with the federal government’s Build Canada Homes initiative.
“Niagara’s voters support solutions that match the size and scale of the problem,” Taylor said. “We are calling on all elected officials and candidates to back practical, data-driven policies that will restore the Canadian dream of homeownership in Niagara Region.”
Click here to read the polling report.
About the poll
Nanos Research conducted a random dual-frame (landline and cell) telephone survey of 705 Niagara residents between October 6 and 26, 2025. Results are accurate to within ±3.7 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
About the Niagara Association of REALTORS®
The Niagara Association of REALTORS® represents more than 1,500 REALTORS® across Niagara’s twelve municipalities. NAR advocates for housing policies that promote affordability, consumer protection, and community growth.
Media Contact
Joanna Gasparotto (she/her)
Member Engagement Coordinator
[email protected]
