What the ROAD to Housing Act Means for Johnston County Homeowners and Buyers

As a REALTOR® and neighbor here in Johnston County, I’m always keeping an eye on how federal policy affects our local real estate market. One piece of legislation that could have a major impact is the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream to Housing Act of 2025 (ROAD to Housing Act). Recently passed by the Senate as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), this bipartisan bill aims to make homeownership more accessible, streamline new construction, and support resilient communities. Now, it’s headed to the House for further consideration¹.

Even though this legislation operates at the national level, its effects could be felt right here in Clayton and surrounding areas. Here’s why it matters to buyers, sellers, and anyone invested in our local housing market:

Increasing Housing Supply and Cutting Red Tape

One of the biggest challenges in our area is the limited housing inventory. The ROAD to Housing Act encourages communities to adopt more flexible zoning policies—allowing townhomes, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units—and streamlines environmental and permitting reviews for new construction². For local buyers, this could mean more options coming to market faster, while sellers may see their homes maintain strong value in a growing and competitive environment.

Making Homeownership More Accessible

Many first-time buyers in Johnston County struggle with down payments or qualifying for traditional mortgages. The legislation addresses these challenges by improving small mortgage financing, updating appraisal practices, and expanding savings programs for families³. Veterans and other underserved buyers are also targeted, ensuring more people can take advantage of homeownership opportunities⁴. These changes could make it easier for local families to achieve their dream of owning a home in our community.

Encouraging Innovative and Affordable Housing

The Act also promotes innovation in construction. It modernizes rules around manufactured and modular homes, making these faster and more cost-effective options more accessible to buyers and builders⁵. For Johnston County, this could mean new housing types that are affordable, well-built, and available sooner than traditional construction projects.

Resilience and Disaster Recovery

While our area isn’t prone to every type of disaster, resilience remains important. The legislation permanently authorizes federal support for disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts, encouraging communities to incorporate long-term safety and insurance considerations into construction projects⁶. Even for local buyers and homeowners, this focus on resilient building could improve property security and maintain long-term value.

Why This Matters Locally

For Clayton and Johnston County, the ROAD to Housing Act could translate into:

• More housing supply and options for buyers

• Easier access for first-time homeowners

• Innovative, faster, and potentially more affordable construction

• Resilient, sustainable neighborhoods

Understanding how national policy impacts local markets gives buyers and sellers an edge. As a local REALTOR®, I follow these developments closely so I can help my clients make informed decisions.

Stay Ahead with Local Expertise

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or investing in Johnston County, it’s more important than ever to work with someone who understands how these changes could affect your options and your home’s value. I’m here to help you navigate the market, explain the impacts of legislation like the ROAD to Housing Act, and provide guidance on current home values, listings, or strategy for your next move.

Reach out today — let’s make smart, confident real estate decisions together.

Footnotes & Sources

1. “What’s in the ROAD to Housing Act of 2025?” Bipartisan Policy Center. https://bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/whats-in-the-road-to-housing-act-of-2025/

2. “ROAD to Housing: NAR Applauds Senate Committee Passage of Landmark Housing Bill.” National Association of REALTORS® Magazine. https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/road-to-housing-nar-applauds-senate-committee-passage-of-landmark-housing-bill

3. Ibid.

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid.

6. “Ahead of Historic Housing Markup, Stakeholders Voice Support for ROAD to Housing Act.” U.S. Senate Banking Committee Newsroom. https://www.banking.senate.gov/newsroom/majority/ahead-of-historic-housing-markup-stakeholders-voice-support-for-road-to-housing-act-of-2025