How Is Inflation Affecting the Boston Housing Market?

This year has brought with it some economic uncertainty that will inevitably affect the local housing economy. Last month, the year-over-year consumer price index was up by a staggering +8.3%, indicating that post-pandemic inflation concerns are far from over. The Fed has been steadily raising interest rates this year as a result. But how exactly will this affect the Boston housing market?

Inflation will affect the Boston housing market by causing home sales to drop and median sale prices to decelerate in 2022. The combination of higher interest rates and high home prices will push many buyers out of the market this year. Shortages in labor, materials, and diesel gas will push up the cost of development and property maintenance, which will help to keep home prices growing this year, but at a significantly lower margin than previous years. Rent prices in Boston will grow by a larger margin than home prices amidst a shortage of rental inventory and higher costs of maintenance for landlords.