Cost hikes last year priced out nearly one million renters from the ranks of homeowners, according to a recent REALTORS study.
The income a household needs to pay a mortgage for a median-priced home rose in 2021 to $62,872, up from $55,186 in 2020. That figure stems from the calculation of income a household needs to pay the mortgage affordably so that monthly mortgage payments with interest do not exceed 25% of income.
The home price hike makes it more difficult for many renters to qualify for home loans. The median existing-home sales price averaged $345,442 in 2021, a 16.4% increase from the median sales price of $296,700 in 2020.
Based on the above figures, the National Association of Realtors estimated that the number of renter households who can pay the mortgage affordably in the U.S. declined from 8.75 million to 7.71 million.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2018
Urban flooding causing economic loss, social disruption, and housing inequality
Extensive suburban development, aging and poorly maintained infrastructure, and more intense rainfall mean more flooding.
Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2018
California’s transportation problems could prevent state from reaching carbon reduction goals
Governor’s carbon neutral-by-2045 ambitions at odds with car culture.
Codes and Standards | Dec 11, 2018
Strict seismic building codes credited with minimizing damage in Alaskan earthquake
Magnitude 7.0 temblor cracked roads and collapsed road ramps, but buildings held up well.
Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2018
Florida tops ABC’s 2018 Merit Shop Scorecard rankings
Michigan rose fastest after passing prevailing wage law.
Codes and Standards | Dec 6, 2018
North American steel yields lower GHG emissions than Chinese steel
North American construction steel saves about half of GHG emissions on building project.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2018
Canadian retailer builds net-zero stores
Other chains also boost green efforts with PVs, EV charging stations.
Codes and Standards | Dec 4, 2018
Action on building codes would spur low-carbon cities
Faster retrofit cycles, increased energy-efficiency requirements for existing buildings needed.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2018
Best solution to prevent California wildfire disasters: Stop building in places likely to burn
Approach would be unpopular as people attracted to stunning wooded landscapes.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2018
USGBC and BRE form partnership
Two green standards groups will collaborate on standards, platforms, and research.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2018
Parking garages in N.Y. State will have to be inspected every three years
Professional engineer must assess conditions.
