New data on Vermont’s short-term rental (STR) market now available on HousingData.org shows a continued increase, up to 11,747 homes statewide in September 2023. Additionally, historic data has been added to the site, now displaying monthly figures, starting in October 2014.
First Generation Homebuyer Program Update
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The State of Vermont has renewed funding for the First Generation Homebuyer Program. Originally released as a pilot program in 2022, the program is now widely available and offers eligible homebuyers a $15,000 grant to help with down payment and closing costs. Interested homebuyers can now apply through any local VHFA participating lender (bank, credit union, or mortgage company).
Vermont home prices continue increasing in first half of 2023
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The median sales price of primary homes sold in Vermont continued increasing in the first half of 2023, reaching a median value of $315,000 for homes sold during that period, according to recent Vermont Property Transfer Tax (PTT) records. This continues a trend in which no county in Vermont has seen a decline in annual median home sale price during the period from 2019-2022.
Vermont Housing Data website gets comprehensive update with latest data available
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The most recent data available has been added to the Vermont Housing Data website at www.housingdata.org which is managed by VHFA. The updates to the website include the most recent American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau as well as new data from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the Vermont Department of Taxes, the National Low Income Housing Coalition’s (NLIHC) Out of Reach report, and more.
30,000 to 40,000 more Vermont homes needed by 2030
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To meet expected demand and normalize extremely low vacancy rates, Vermont will need 30,000-40,000 more year-round homes by 2030. This means adding 5,000 to 6,700 more homes to Vermont's primary home market each year, well above the 2,100 homes that the state has been generating.
According to the 2020 Census count, the number of primary Vermont households was 9,000 more than in the prior year—an unprecedented increase. Although tempered somewhat in 2021, Vermont continued to show signs of heightened demand.
Register now for 2022 Vermont Statewide Housing Conference
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Registration is open for the Vermont Statewide Housing Conference 
Did Vermont's population jump in 2020?
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According to the Census Bureau's 2020 count, 17,336 more people and 15,448 more households considered Vermont their primary home than in 2010, despite earlier predictions of near zero growth in the statewide tally. This was almost certainly the result of the COVID-19 pandemic that abruptly shifted the way we lived and worked in 2020.
Rising interest rates and prices decrease home affordability
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Increasing mortgage interest rates and home prices have rapidly made it much more difficult for Vermonters to purchase their first homes. About half as many renters can afford to purchase their first home in 2022 compared to 2021, based on VHFA’s recent analysis of sales price and interest rate trends.
Developer survey reports widespread cost increases and delays related to pandemic
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A new white paper from Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) finds that 86% of Vermont housing developers were experiencing project delays during the pandemic. The report draws from an online survey of statewide developers in August and a subsequent forum that brought together over 60 development professionals and state regulators to discuss challenges and potential solutions.
Facing worsening housing shortage, Upper Valley initiative provides solutions
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By 2030, the Upper Valley region will need to triple the pace of home building and conversions to meet projected demand from existing and future residents, according to the collaborative Keys to the Valley initiative. About one-third of the region’s households are cost burdened by paying more than 30% of their income for their housing.
Vermont housing market remains steady during pandemic
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Despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Vermont home prices continued to climb in the first six months of 2020, based on the latest data from Vermont Property Transfer tax records. The median home sold for $234,940, a roughly 3% increase from 2019.
Vermont Housing Needs Assessment reveals racial disparities
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Research conducted by VHFA for the 2020-2025 Vermont Housing Needs Assessment reveals that Vermont’s non-White households fare worse than White households according to numerous economic and housing-related metrics. Much of the data from the report is available on VHFA’s regularly updated Vermont housing data site.
Point in Time Count for 2020 shows slight increase in number of homeless
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Newly released data from the 2020 Point-in-Time Count in January found 1,110 people experiencing homelessness in Vermont, a slight increase from the prior year. That number has increased to over 2,000 people during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness.
Vermont homes used as short-term rentals on the rise
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Until the recent COVID-19 restrictions, the number of Vermont homes used as short-term rentals has ticked up each year, according to a recent analysis by Vermont Housing Finance Agency. In a typical month last year, about 8,000 homes were listed as short-term rentals across the state.
Report suggests 17% of Vermont households at risk of housing insecurity due to job loss
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A new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston estimates that job losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic could put 21,351 Vermont homeowner and 23,561 renter households at high risk of not being able to pay their mortgage or rent.
Don’t forget to complete the 2020 Census!
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Haven’t gotten around to completing the 2020 Census yet? If you did not receive materials in the mail with instructions to complete the 2020 Census, you can follow the link below, which provides comprehensive instructions to complete the process: