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Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) is out with a new poll, co-sponsored by the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ) that takes New Jerseyans’ temperature on offering incentives to builders to address the state’s housing shortage.

The poll asked: Should the state incentivize more home building – or not?

It was conducted Feb. 23-28 and surveyed 1,476 registered voters.

The survey comes against the backdrop of a skyrocketing housing market in the state – which, according to Zillow, has seen the average home price jump 7.7% over the last year. That far outpaces neighboring states.

NJBIZ has reported on the efforts to construct more housing, particularly affordable housing, to address the demand currently outpacing supply. But that reality often collides with local zoning regulations and green space preservation – along with community opposition to overdevelopment.

All of these different elements have mixed, along with elevated interest rates, to create a difficult climate for homebuyers. And also led to calls from some for the government to incentivize builders to put up more homes.

The poll found a split – with 46% of voters saying the state should incentivize home builders versus 43% who are not in favor of incentives, which is in the margin of error (11% don’t know; 1% refused).

‘Supply isn’t going to fix itself’

Dan Cassino, a professor of government and politics and executive director of FDU Poll, said housing is always politically difficult.

“Since people who own homes, and those who don’t often have very different perspectives,” said Cassino. “Those that own homes want prices to keep going up, but that drives out people who can’t afford to buy in at those inflated prices.”

A point that ties in with another key finding in the poll on the age breakdown of those who are in favor:

• 72% age 30 and under in favor
• 33% age 45-64 in favor
• 40% of voters 65+ in favor

“The groups most likely to own their homes don’t see any need to build more,” said Cassino. “It’s the people who can’t afford to buy that are looking for someone to do something.”

Anthony Russo, president of the CIANJ, noted the lack of housing supply and increase demand, which has made the state less affordable.

“It’s clear to state residents that the supply isn’t going to fix itself – and state support of programs to create a greater supply of affordable homes is needed,” said Russo.

The survey also examined the political backgrounds of the voters who participated – with 60% of Democrats supporting subsidies versus just 36% of independents and 32% of Republicans who are in favor of builder incentives.

“Voters who think government is generally helpful, want government help with housing prices,” said Cassino. “But there’s lot of voters who see government as a problem, rather than a solution – and want the state to stay out of it.”