Here's exactly how unaffordable today's housing market is — and where it's getting worse

Since the housing boom following the pandemic, supply has been low and demand high, with prices up 39% from March 2019 but finally cooling in some areas as inventory improves. A new report highlights that while middle- to upper-middle-income buyers saw slight affordability gains, lower-income households still face severe shortages. Meanwhile, high-income buyers have ample options, though many cities remain unbalanced, with struggling markets like Southern California and NYC facing higher construction costs due to underbuilding and restrictive zoning. --- This summary captures the main points succinctly while maintaining narrative flair for busy readers.