Nevada just made it easier for middle-class families to buy a home

By Kristen Kniep  

Nevada News and Views

Nevada’s Housing Division is turning 50, and they’re throwing a community-style celebration in Las Vegas.

On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Nevada Housing Division (NHD) will host an event at the Blind Center’s Visions of Greatness Event Center.

Governor Joe Lombardo is set to hold a ceremonial signing for the Nevada Housing Access and Attainability Act. Former Governor Richard Bryan, who helped launch NHD back in the 1970s, will speak after the signing.

What The New Law Does

Governor Lombardo says Nevada needs more homes that working families can actually afford.

The new law aims to cut red tape, speed up construction, and open more supply so prices come down. A key change is who qualifies for help.

The law adds a new tier of “attainable” housing for households earning up to 150 percent of the area median income (AMI).

That matters to teachers, nurses, cops, and service workers who make too much to qualify for traditional programs but still can’t keep up with rising prices.

The bill text spells it out: a new tier covers households “not more than 120 percent but not more than 150 percent” of AMI.

About The Money

Early versions of the plan talked about $250 million to help as many as 16,000 people.

Lawmakers later trimmed the final package to about $133 million, which outside analysts said could assist several thousand households.

Even with the lower figure, supporters say it will help get more homes built and open doors for buyers in the middle.

If you’ve tried to buy a home here, you know the pain. Down payments are the mountain that stops many first-time buyers.

That’s where NHD’s long-running “Home Is Possible” program comes in.

It offers down payment and closing cost help to eligible buyers statewide. Program materials describe grants worth a percentage of the loan that can be used for those upfront costs.

For a lot of families, that’s the difference between renting forever and finally getting keys.

And the 150 percent AMI tier is not random jargon. HUD uses AMI to set income limits for housing programs across the country.

By lifting the ceiling, Nevada is aiming at the “missing middle” who often get squeezed out.

A Milestone Worth Noting

NHD was created in 1975 to tackle a shortage of safe, decent housing for low- and moderate-income families.

Fifty years later, the division still runs homeownership, rental, and energy-efficiency programs, plus tax credits that help builders finance new affordable units.

The anniversary event is a chance to recognize that work and look ahead.

“The Nevada Housing Division should be proud of the work they’ve completed over these last 50 years,” said Governor Lombardo.

“We look forward to acknowledging everyone who has played a role in helping homeownership become more attainable for Nevadans as we mark this milestone and are excited to see how the Housing Access and Attainability Act will help more Nevadans secure the dream of homeownership.”

What Critics Are Saying

Progressive advocates call the 150 percent AMI idea “trickle-down housing,” arguing it could shift attention away from the very poor and won’t do enough to lower rents. They also note the funding was trimmed during the session.

Those are fair concerns that deserve debate — but the final bill still broadens eligibility and tries to speed building so supply can catch up.

That’s the path most conservatives favor: cut the red tape, build more homes, and let prices cool as inventory grows.

Looking Ahead for Nevada Homeownership

Nevada families need more places to live that don’t break the bank.

The state is marking 50 years of housing work with a new law aimed at helping both lower-income and middle-income Nevadans.

If you’re house-hunting, keep an eye on NHD programs like Home Is Possible, and watch how the new “attainable” tier rolls out over the next year.

With more homes built and smarter rules, owning a home in Nevada can feel possible again.

Event detailsAug. 20, 2025, 6—8 p.m., Blind Center’s Visions of Greatness Event Center, Las Vegas.