Renters Feel Effects of Rising Housing Prices

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Freddie Mac survey shows nearly 60% of renters experienced increased rents in past 12 months.

In the past year, 58% of renters said their housing costs have risen, according to a new Freddie Mac survey. While 40% of respondents had seen no change in their rent costs, 15% cited increases of 10% or more and 11% cited jumps by more than 20%. However, only 38% of renters reported wage increases over the same period, with nearly one-third saying that the raises wouldn’t be sufficient to cover the higher rents.

In addition, the survey found that more than half of the renters who experienced a rent increase in the past 12 months said they are extremely likely or somewhat likely to miss a rent payment.

Freddie Mac’s nationwide online survey, which was conducted between June 6 and June 10 among a sample of 2,000 American consumers 18 and older, sought to gauge the impact of rising prices on housing choices.

“The surge in rents that took place over the last 12 months has created even greater housing uncertainty for the most vulnerable renters,” said Kevin Palmer, head of Freddie Mac Multifamily. “Our survey shows that the national housing affordability crisis is worsening, and that inflation is a key driver. Freddie Mac Multifamily is charging toward a record year for our affordable housing work, but it’s going to take a concerted, sustained, and comprehensive effort to turn the tide.”

Other findings from the survey included:

• 96% of households have been impacted by higher prices in the past 12 months, with increased costs for groceries and household supplies at the top of the list for 66% of respondents, followed by transportation costs for 54%;
• Nearly half of the respondents have had to tighten their budgets over the past 12 months—the top item for 48% was spending less on non-essential items such as entertainment, followed by putting less money toward savings for 44% and spending less on food, utilities, and other essentials for 41%;
• 61% of households sometimes don’t have enough money to for basics, like food and housing, until the next payday or live paycheck to paycheck with just enough money to get by; and
• 84% of households are somewhat or very concerned about an impending recession, while 62% are somewhat or very concerned about not being able to pay for housing in the next 12 months.

Source: Multifamily Executive