Renters could see some relief in 2026, as Zillow predicts home values will stay relatively flat next year 鈥� easing pressure across the housing market and helping keep rent increases in check.
Rent affordability is expected to continue improving in much of the country after a year where incomes rose faster than rents in nearly four out of five major metro areas.
Rents increased about 1% year over year, while incomes climbed roughly 4% in the D.C. market, according to Zillow.
In October, a median-income household on the typical U.S. rent 鈥� the lowest share since August 2021.
The gap between owning and renting is rapidly closing, particularly in D.C., Orphe Divounguy, a senior economist at Zillow, told 草莓传媒. In the D.C. market, that gap has narrowed to about $400 a month.
鈥淭he typical rent in the D.C. market, is roughly $2,400 compared to the cost of owning at about $2,800 in November,鈥� Divounguy said. 鈥淲ith the gap closing, more and more renters will probably consider making the leap into buying their first homes.鈥�
A lot of people who are not able to afford to buy a home yet will keep renting as they start families. Divounguy believes that will lead to more and more child-focused amenities such as imagination centers and homework pods.
鈥淧roperty managers that invest in amenities that are more kid-friendly are going to be able to attract more renters, especially those with families, and keep them,鈥� Divounguy said.
According to the Zillow, nearly three in five renters plan to rent for at least the next year. Even if mortgage rates dropped, only 37% said they would buy, which is down from 45% last year.
Renting is becoming a deliberate choice, reducing home-maintenance costs and supporting mobility.
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