If you're deciding whether to buy or rent a home in The Villages in 2026, you're not alone. What used to be a simple answer has become more difficult as the economy continues to drift from historical norms.
Previously, it was common knowledge that buying was the more affordable choice, with long-term benefits generally outweighing the initial costs. But that assumption has shifted. After the pandemic threw housing markets off kilter, prices ballooned and mortgage rates climbed, straining affordability nationwide. Now, the typical buyer needs to earn far more than the typical renter to afford a median-priced home in many cities, leading the homeowner population to stall.
So what does buying vs. renting look like in The Villages right now? To find out, Redfin Real Estate looked at the income required to afford a typical home over a typical apartment - called the "income premium." For example, an income premium of 10% means a household needs to earn 10% more to buy than to rent, while a premium of -10% means renting is cheaper than buying.
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We bought in Calif 20 years ago when it was nice and now we're tied here because we're too old to move. Renters are free to move.
ReplyDeleteDon't move to a mobile home park. You won't be free, there are too many rules and regulations.
ReplyDeleteBuy land that's affordable and park a trailer on it. You won't be over-burdened by taxes and big gov.
ReplyDeleteI ran the numbers on the Villages 4 years ago for retirement. I could not afford buying it while maintaining my living standard - I live good. Your numbers look almost the same 4 years later.
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