U.S. Families Need 36% for Home Payments | fyp

A median-income US family earning $106.8K now needed 36% of income for a median existing-home mortgage, or 34% for a median new home.
That marked a jump from 32% in Early-Q1 2026 for both home types, showing ownership costs now sit further beyond traditional budgeting rules.
Experts said the 28/36 and 30% rules still worked as starting points, but buyers needed a payment that still left room for savings.
Experts warned against equating loan approval with comfort, and urged buyers to keep emergency savings for repairs, utilities, furnishings, and other surprises.
Preparation steps included comparing mortgage offers, considering rate buydowns, boosting income or trimming expenses, and testing a future payment by saving it monthly.