New Hampshire Housing Production Hits 20-Year High

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According to a report from the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs, housing production in the state has reached a two-decade high, with municipalities issuing building permits for the construction of more than 5,800 housing units in 2026. This marks the highest level of housing permits issued since 2005, and the state has added over 25,000 new housing units since 2020. However, the report notes that more work is still needed to meet the state's goal of 88,000 new units by 2040.

Why it matters

New Hampshire has struggled with housing shortages and affordability issues in recent years, so this surge in new housing production is a positive sign that the state is making progress towards addressing these challenges. Increasing the housing supply is crucial for supporting economic growth and providing more affordable living options for residents.

The details

The report from the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs shows that municipalities across the state issued building permits for the construction of over 5,800 new housing units in 2026. This represents the highest level of housing production in the state since 2005. In total, New Hampshire has added more than 25,000 new housing units since 2020, though the report notes that the state still has more work to do to reach its goal of 88,000 new units by 2040 to meet projected demand.

• The report covers housing production data for 2026.
• New Hampshire last saw this level of housing permits issued in 2005.

What’s next

The report indicates that while New Hampshire has made progress, the state still needs to significantly increase its housing production to meet its long-term goals for new unit construction.