Bloomberg
US Housing Affordability Gauge Worsens for First Time Since 2023
Thursday, August 20, 2026
The National Association of Realtors' housing affordability index fell in the most recent measurement period, marking the first decline since 2023. The decrease was driven by increased mortgage rates, which raised monthly payments relative to median household income. The affordability measure tracks the income required to purchase a median-priced home against actual median household earnings.
