When factoring in increased costs of living, where are people in their late 20’s to early 30’s with good incomes but short (ie less then 10 year) credit histories and the resulting higher interest rates gonna get that increased buying power? Using the 5.1 income/cost ratio, median prices should be $300000. This is a roughly 10%-20% premium to rents, and low and behold down payments are usually in that range.
As for down payments, ofcourse people use to do it. They always have, always will. I have been saving money since I was 14. I have my down payment. Could have put 20% back in 2005 at the peak. I got lucky, most are not as lucky as I am. What I ment by that is it will affect demand. I dont care how much you want a house, if the bank wont lend and you make too much for some of these questionable government sponsored down payment programs, you cant buy. Prices will have to reflect this.
