U.S. construction faces rising costs as new tariffs could increase material prices by up to 60%. Construction inputs for multifamily projects have already surged 35% in 5 years, squeezing project feasibility.

Before buying a house in 2025, ensure you are debt-free and have 3–6 months of expenses saved. Limit your home budget to 25% of your take-home pay, covering mortgage, taxes, insurance, and HOA fees.

Salt Lake City ranks fifth in the U.S. for the rent-buy cost gap, with renting at $1,680 monthly and buying at $3,197, making buying 90.4% more expensive. Nationwide, renting is cheaper as mortgage payments rise while rents decline or stabilize. The largest gaps are...