US Housing Affordability Deteriorates to First Low Since 2023: Can Blockchain DeFi Finally Deliver Affordable Homes Through Tokenized Assets and ZK Proofs

Over the past two quarters, US household mortgage payments have climbed to 34 percent of income, the first rise since 2023. NAHB and Wells Fargo data show this sharp turn from earlier gains, exposing how high borrowing costs now crush demand and force families into deeper debt. Math doesn’t negotiate: one-third of take-home pay on shelter equals less for cars, food, and emergencies. The shift arrived right after a brief dip, proving that policy rates still rule.