10/09/2026
Everything keeps going up. Rent included.
Why? Because rental rates are constantly affected by the market around it.
▶ Owners' costs go up. Property taxes, insurance and repairs rise every year, and landlords pass those costs on. In South Carolina, rental homes are also taxed at a higher rate than homes people live in (primary residence).
▶ More people are moving here. The Midlands keeps growing. More renters chasing the same homes pushes rents up.
▶ Not enough rentals. In high demand areas, new homes take time to build and supply can't keep up.
▶ High rates keep people renting. When buying feels out of reach, people rent longer. More renters means more competition for every rental.
▶ Inflation. When everything costs more, rent follows.
One thing that doesn't: Principal and interest on a fixed-rate mortgage.
Buy today, and that part of your payment is the same ten years from now. Sure, taxes and insurance can still change, but not the loan payment itself. And guess what? Historically, that home 10 years later is worth more than when you bought it!
❔ Did you know ❔
While many markets do see short-term reversals at times, since 1984, residential property values have appreciated by 441%, substantially exceeding the 210% increase attributable to inflation. What does this look like?
In 1990, the median home value was $123,900. Since then, home prices have appreciated by 241.5%, whereas inflation has risen by 146.3%. Had home prices paced with inflation, the median home would currently be priced at $305,193, representing a discrepancy of $117,907 from the present actual median price.
During 2000, the median home price stood at $165,300 and has subsequently increased by 156%, compared to an inflation rate of 87%. Should the median home have maintained alignment with inflation, it would presently cost $309,043, creating a variance of $114,057 from today’s actual median. (credit: themortgagepoint 2026)
That's why investing in homeownership has long been one of the ways regular people like you and me protect, or "hedge", themselves from inflation.
🔑 The key? Don't chase the Joneses. Buy the home that fits your budget at today's rate. Not the rate you hope for later.