3 Reasons Affordability Is Showing Signs of Improvement This Fall

Let’s face it—“affordability” has felt like a distant dream for many over the last few years. But as autumn rolls in, there are glimmers of hope. Below are three reasons why you might start seeing (or feeling) a small shift in your favor—and what to watch out for.

1. Slower Price Growth + Stabilizing Home Values

One of the biggest pressures on affordability has been steep home price increases. But lately, many markets are seeing that growth slow—or even level off. According to First American, housing affordability rose 3.1 % year over year in June as incomes outpaced price growth.

When home prices stop sprinting upward, people with moderate budgets get some breathing room. Basically, less competition and fewer surprises in listing prices can stop affordability from getting worse.

2. Rising Incomes Are Catching Up (Just a Bit)

It’s not a miracle, but in many places wages are ticking upward. That means people can afford more—or at least buffer cost increases.
In markets where incomes are growing faster than home prices, that gap gives buyers a little more buying power. This is especially true for those who have held steady in their jobs or work in growing sectors.

It’s not uniform—some places still lag. But when you see income gains, it softens the blow of inflation and housing costs.

3. More Supply = More Choices

Supply constraints have long been a culprit behind shrinking affordability. But signs suggest housing inventory is creeping up in some regions.

Why does that matter? More listings (especially in mid-price ranges) mean buyers have more leverage. It also puts pressure on sellers to price more competitively rather than counting on a bidding war every time.

That said: the increase in supply is uneven. In many places, it’s still tight. But where “new homes for sale” are rising, that’s a win for affordability.

A Quick Reality Check (and a “but”)

• Even with these positive signs, affordability is far from “fixed.” Many households are still stretched, especially those on tighter budgets.

• Mortgage rates, taxes, insurance, and regional cost-of-living differences can erase gains in one area or amplify them in another.

• The improvement is likely to be gradual—not dramatic. We’re not blasting off, but maybe inching upward again.

What To Watch This Fall

• Mortgage and interest rate trends: If rates dip, that gives buyers more breathing room.

• Local supply increases: More homes available in your market = more choices and potential negotiating power.

• Income growth in your area / sector: If your income or industry is growing, you may feel these shifts more directly.

💬 Thinking about buying or selling this fall? Let’s chat about what these changes mean for you. You can send me a quick message or schedule a free consultation call—no pressure, just helpful insights tailored to your situation.