SUMMARY
June 20, 2023 – The housing market in the United States faces uncertainties due to a slowing economy and higher mortgage rates. However, there is a notable increase in homeownership rates among below-median income families, reaching 53.4% in early 2023. Despite affordability challenges, first-time homebuyers are entering the market and contributing to this upward trend. The overall homeownership rate has been driven by the strong growth in below-median income households becoming homeowners, accounting for a significant portion of the increase since 2016. While challenges persist, this surge in homeownership is a positive sign in an evolving housing market.
Despite economic uncertainties, the homeownership rate among below-median income families has surged, reaching 53.4% in the first quarter of 2023
The number of people owning homes in the U.S. is increasing, especially among families with lower incomes. Since 2016, the homeownership rate for families earning below the median income has gone up from 48% to 53.4%. This means that more families are becoming homeowners.
The Economy and Housing Market
The U.S. economy is slowing down, partly due to higher interest rates affecting the housing market. However, people are still buying homes, especially first-time buyers. The housing market has been affected by changes in the economy, but the increase in first-time buyers has made a positive impact.
Recent Economic Developments
The U.S. economy grew by 1.3% in the first quarter of 2023, although at a slower pace. The measurement of income, called GDI, decreased by 2.3% during the same period. This suggests that the economy may be shrinking, but employment rates remain strong.
Housing Market Trends
Existing home sales have decreased, but new home sales have increased. This shift in the market has been happening since the COVID-19 pandemic began. There are fewer existing homes available for sale, while the supply of new homes is relatively higher.
Mortgage Market
Mortgage rates have been increasing, which has led to fewer people applying for mortgages. The number of mortgage originations in the first quarter of 2023 was the lowest since 2014. However, mortgage performance has been strong overall.
Outlook
The future of the economy and housing market is uncertain. The economy may slow down, but a recession is not expected. Home prices may decrease slightly, and mortgage rates are likely to remain above 6%. The number of mortgage originations is expected to stay flat this year.
Homeownership Rates Spotlight
Surprisingly, more families with lower incomes are becoming homeowners. Since 2016, the homeownership rate for below-median income families has increased from 48% to 53.4%. This growth has contributed to the overall increase in homeownership rates.
Overall, despite challenges in the housing market, the increase in homeownership rates among lower-income families is a positive trend. It shows that even in a less affordable environment, more families are finding ways to achieve homeownership.