#affordability-measures

#affordability-measures

"Walked up the hill too soon." This was the terse rebuke from a Fianna Fáil official after the Sunday Independent revealed last month that homeowners were in line to earn up to €14,000 tax-free by renting out newly built modular units in their back gardens.

"Put simply, inflation is the rate at which prices are increasing. The higher the inflation rate, the more expensive goods or services become over time. Many factors in the economy can cause price increases on individual items or in certain areas - but when prices rise on average across all consumer goods and services over longer periods, it's called inflation."

Payment history is the biggest factor in your score, as lenders evaluate whether you pay bills on time. Lower credit utilization signals less risk, while a longer credit history builds trust with lenders.

Good urbanism should transcend politics. Socialists and capitalists can walk the same neighborhood and agree it's a pleasant place to live. They can each appreciate the tree canopy, the corner café with people spilling onto the sidewalk, the mix of ages on bikes and on foot, the architectural details of older buildings, and so on.

Many buyers assume homeownership is out of reach if they earn less than the area's median income - but that's not always true. From FHA and USDA loans to down payment assistance programs, there are real pathways to homeownership - even if you have little savings.