Issue Position: Access to Homeownership

Issue Position

Homeownership is a basic economic building block that helps to anchor our communities. However, many Vermonters still struggle to pay their rent every month and their dream of buying a home for their family remains out of reach. While the average wage for a renter is just above $13, the hourly wage needed to truly afford a two-bedroom apartment is nearly $23. Wages are declining while rent prices are going up, and the steadily rising median home price of $260,000 is simply unaffordable for most Vermont families.
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We need pathways to affordable homeownership. This will boost our economy by getting Vermonters out of a cycle of low wages and high rent, and will also grow our economy. We need to continue to expand tax incentives for homeownership and invest in shared equity programs that make starter homes affordable. When Vermonters can afford their own homes, our communities grow and our neighborhoods thrive.

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