With elevated home prices and an ongoing housing shortage, support for new types of developments is growing. According to a recent survey from real estate marketing platform Zillow, most people are supportive of middle housing—such as duplexes, small apartment buildings, and accessory dwelling units—in residential neighborhoods. About 78% of homeowners back at least one of these options, while support among renters is even higher at 91%. Zillow’s research also suggests modest densification, such as allowing two units on 10% of single-family lots, could significantly increase housing supply and help slow price growth. ADUs had the highest support, with 68% of respondents in favor.
Duplexes, triplexes and small condo/apartment buildings (of fewer than 10 units) generally enjoyed majority support: 59% of those surveyed said they would support allowing duplexes and triplexes in their neighborhood, and 57% said the same about small condo or apartment buildings of fewer than 10 units. Medium buildings (between 10 and 49 units) saw a closer divide, with about half (50%) indicating support, 44% saying they were opposed, and 6% saying they were unsure.