Affordability Challenges Impact Housing Trends 2026

Home prices ↑53% since 2019; median household income ↑24%, worsening the price-to-income ratio.
First-time buyers fell to 21% in 2025 from 44% in 1981; their median age hit 40.
Median home size was 2,155 sq-ft in 2025, nearly flat vs 2,150 in 2024; 2026 size seen steady.
Builders add flex spaces and EV charging, while using incentives (67%) and price cuts (41%) to help affordability.
Outdoor amenities and parks/trails gain focus; builders also consider adaptive reuse and mixed densities like townhomes, condos.