Factors beyond high mortgage rates are affecting housing affordability for many Americans, according to experts.
Almost four years ago, a household earning $59,000 annually could afford a new mortgage without spending more than 30% of their monthly income and with a 10% down payment, according to a recent report by Zillow Group.
While the typical household in 2024 makes about $81,000 a year, up from $66,000 in 2020, wages have not kept up with housing costs.
"Since January of 2020, the typical mortgage payment on the typical home in the U.S. has nearly doubled," said Orphe Divounguy, a senior economist at Zillow.
Nowadays, potential homebuyers need to make about $106,500 a year in order to afford the typical home today, an 80% increase from January 2020, according to Zillow.
Persons:
Orphe Divounguy, Kirabo Jackson, Jackson
Organizations:
Zillow Group, Finance, White House Council, Economic Advisers
Locations:
U.S, Zillow