A recent report highlights the forthcoming resumption of student loan payments in October and warns of the significant impact this will have on young renters, particularly those in the low- and moderate-income groups. The pause in student loan payments, which started in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, will come to an end, with borrowers’ first bill due in October.
It’s estimated that around 22 million borrowers will need to resume making monthly payments of approximately $275, according to a separate study conducted by Moody’s Analytics. This sudden financial obligation is predicted to place a considerable burden on young renters, potentially eroding any existing financial buffers and forcing difficult housing decisions, such as downsizing to cheaper rental properties or even resorting to living with family and friends to avoid homelessness.
Moody’s emphasizes that if total household income remains unchanged and the percentage of income needed for rent also remains the same, resuming student loan payments will significantly reduce discretionary spending options for households. Moreover, families who are already on the edge of affordability may need to downsize in order to compensate for the lost wages now allocated towards student loan payments.
The report underscores the financial strain faced by younger renters and millennials, highlighting the critical dilemma they will encounter when student loan payments resume. It is anticipated that this issue will have broader implications for the housing market as a whole, particularly among those renting Class A versus Class B/C units.
Moody’s analysis reveals that on average, households with median-income spend approximately 30% of their income on renting an average-priced apartment unit in the United States. However, areas with significant disparities between high-end and more affordable rental units may see families being pushed towards downgrading their housing in order to accommodate the monthly expense of student loan payments.
As we approach October, it is crucial for young renters to prepare for the imminent financial shock and consider the potential adjustments they may need to make to their living situations. The resumption of student loan payments will undoubtedly have a lasting impact, requiring careful planning and adaptation to ensure financial stability and housing security.
Categories of Homes Based on Age
Classes A, B, and C are the categories in which homes are organized based on the year they were built. Class A homes are the most recent ones, well-maintained, and mainly occupied by high-income earners. On the other hand, Class C homes are typically older than 30 years, lacking top amenities, and tend to be occupied by middle- to lower-income families or senior citizens.
Financial Benefits of Moving Down a Class
According to calculations by Moody’s, moving down a class could save renters approximately $610 in rent. To put this into perspective, let’s consider the median monthly income for the population aged 25 to 44 in the United States, which is $6,017. By transitioning from living in a Class A unit to either Class B or C, individuals could have a surplus of $335. This extra amount could serve as a means to offset their student loan debt payments.
Impact of Moving Down a Class in Different Cities
Moody’s analysis of local rental real estate markets revealed that moving down a class significantly affected renters’ finances in various cities across the country. In certain areas of the United States, shifting from a brand-new building with lavish amenities to an older apartment building could result in saving over $600 on rent.
Cities with High Population of Young Adults
The metropolitan areas with the highest share of the population between the ages of 25 and 44 are Suburban Virginia, Denver, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Northern New Jersey.
Financial Benefits in Specific Cities
For renters in Suburban Virginia, who have a median income of $9,919, choosing to move from a Class A rental to either Class B or C would give them a surplus of about $417. This means they would save approximately $700 on their rent.
Similarly, in San Francisco, where the median income is $10,935, transitioning down a class would yield a surplus of around $1,276. By doing so, renters could save about $1,550 on rent.