Couple buying their new house

61% Of Americans Can’t Afford To Buy a House

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Inflation and the cost of living are top of mind for many Americans heading into 2023. While we don’t know what the new year holds, we do know how Americans are feeling about their finances and home buying based on a new study.

The outlook on home buying trends in 2023 shows that most Americans (61%) cannot afford a home right now, and 1 in 5 believe they’ll never be able to afford a home.

The Housing Market

The housing market continues to be a huge variable in homeownership for many Americans. Nearly 1 in 2 (48%) are worried about a housing market crash, and over 2 in 5 fully believe that a crash will happen in 2023.

But the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. When it comes to renters, 60% say they’re struggling to pay for rent, and over half (58%) say their monthly rent increased in 2022. New year, new possibilities? Maybe… but 73% say they expect rent to increase due to inflation.

So what are Americans looking for? 38% say they would move states in search of lower taxes, and 40% say rising interest rates impact the commitment to buying at all. Of those who are looking to buy, 46% say they are willing to go over budget to buy their dream home – by a whopping $84,500!

The housing market remains a significant factor in homeownership for many Americans, with nearly half expressing concern about a potential market crash.

Factors such as inflation and a potential recession are believed to contribute to this potential crash. However, some believe the crash may not be as severe as the 2008 one, while others believe it will be worse. Renters are also facing challenges, with a majority reporting an increase in rent and difficulty paying due to inflation. On the other hand, some homeowners are optimistic that mortgage rates may decrease in the near future.

Buying a Home Is a Rite of Passage

Ryan Graves, CFA, Bemiston Asset Management, says, “For many Americans, buying a home is a rite of passage. Buying a home is much more difficult now, as interest rates and prices have surged in recent years.  Those who want to own a home must take more drastic measures than previous homeowners.  Downsizing apartments is a great way to save on monthly expenses and pocket extra cash.”

Possible Solutions

He continued, “Increasing your income is the best way to supercharge your downpayment savings, but it can be the most difficult. Knowing your worth and accomplishments is the surest way to ask for a raise confidently. If you don’t get a raise, you can better shop yourself on the job market. If getting a raise or a new job isn’t for you, there is a nearly limitless number of ways to find a side gig via apps like Uber or DoorDash or websites like UpWork.”
You can also take some drastic measures, “Living alone is getting insanely expensive, especially in booming job markets. Finding a roommate will let you at least halve your rent and utility expenses. The added benefit is that roommates expand your social network, which will come in handy when looking for a new job,” Graves says.
“If possible, move back home with your parents. More and more millennials are doing this as they save for a down payment. Swallowing your pride will help you save game-changing amounts of money on rent, utilities, and groceries.
As the total amount of down payments rises, it’s also becoming more important where you save your money. Stashing money in cash ensures you will always be behind the increasing prices of homes, but investing your growing pot of money will help you at least keep pace. “

Methodology

In December 2022, craftjack.com surveyed 1,005 Americans to get their feedback on homeownership and what this year will bring in terms of a homeowner’s outlook. Respondents were 48% female, 50% male, and 2% non-binary/non-conforming with an age range of 18 to 84 and an average age of 40 years old.

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Hi! I am a millennial mom with a passion for personal finance. I have always been “into” personal finance but got inspired to start my blog after a period of extended unemployment. That experience really changed the way I viewed my relationship with money and the importance of accessible personal finance education.