Homeowners across the U.S. are facing mounting financial pressures as inflation has driven up the costs of essential goods and services, including housing. With home prices remaining near all-time highs, it is increasingly difficult for many households to afford their mortgage payments and property taxes. Rising insurance costs add further strain to this situation, stretching budgets thin and raising concerns about the sustainability of homeownership.
While the COVID-19 pandemic briefly shaped housing policy with protections like mortgage forbearance , the challenges homeowners face today are driven less by temporary disruptions and more by persistent affordability issues.
The housing market plays a crucial role in the broader economy, influencing consumer spending and financial