Key Takeaways:

• 70 percent of Nepalis struggle to meet regular housing expenses
• Seven in 10 fear losing their homes if unexpected problems arise
• 72 percent feel unsafe at home during extreme weather events
• 78 percent say Nepal lacks enough affordable housing options

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 9 Seven in 10 Nepalis struggle to meet regular housing expenses, while the same proportion fear losing their homes if unexpected difficulties arise, according to a new global housing study released by Habitat for Humanity International. The report, Home at What Cost? Global Housing Research 2026, found that 70 percent of Nepali respondents faced challenges paying for housing, more than double the global average of 34 percent across 22 countries. Housing insecurity was also widespread. Around 70 percent of respondents said they were concerned about losing their current homes because of unforeseen circumstances, compared with a global average of 48 percent. The study found that housing-related financial pressures are affecting household wellbeing. Some 28 percent of respondents said they had delayed or skipped medical treatment because of housing costs, while 36 percent postponed necessary home repairs and 21 percent required food assistance. Housing was identified as one of the biggest sources of stress for many households. Around 68 percent of respondents said their housing situation was a major source of stress in their lives, while 71 percent worried they might have to leave their current homes within the next year. Climate-related risks emerged as another major concern. According to the survey, 72 percent of respondents said extreme weather made it difficult to feel safe in their homes, compared with a global average of 30 percent. Another 70 percent expected extreme weather to make living conditions more difficult over the next three years, the highest proportion among the 22 countries surveyed. Poor housing conditions also contributed to insecurity. The report found that 76 percent felt unsafe because of the condition of their housing, while 73 percent cited insecure doors, windows or property boundaries as a concern. The survey also highlighted persistent affordability challenges. A total of 78 percent of respondents said Nepal does not have enough affordable housing, while 77 percent believed rising housing costs are making home ownership increasingly difficult. Another 74 percent said existing housing policies do not adequately support first-time homebuyers. Despite the challenges, 71 percent said they still expect to own a home at some point in their lives. Housing pressures are also influencing family and life decisions. Around 72 percent said housing costs make it difficult to consider starting a family, while 73 percent of parents said housing expenses were limiting the opportunities they could provide to their children. More than seven in 10 respondents also said their current housing situation had forced them to give up personal goals or ambitions. The report found even greater insecurity among people living in informal housing arrangements. Only 53 percent of respondents in such situations said they were confident they could continue living in their current homes. According to estimates cited in the study, more than 1.2 million people in Nepal lack secure land or housing, while around 1.3 million households live under informal land and housing ownership arrangements. The survey was conducted by Edelman Intelligence between April and June 2026 on behalf of Habitat for Humanity International. It included 1,400 respondents in Nepal and more than 30,000 participants across 22 countries. The report concluded that Nepal's housing challenges require a broader response that addresses affordability, secure land tenure, climate resilience, safe housing structures and increased availability of affordable homes.