The housing market is out of control — and it’s not just headlines, it’s real. In this episode of the Survival Punk Podcast, we dive deep into the numbers, the history, and what it means for those of us who want to survive and thrive outside the system. Because when the roof over your head becomes unaffordable, it’s time to start thinking like a prepper, not a consumer.

As of 2025, the median household income in the U.S. is around $80,610. But that figure includes the top 5% of earners who drastically skew the numbers. When you take out that top slice, the more accurate reflection of everyday earners is closer to $76,637 — and that’s being generous.

Meanwhile, the median home price sits around $416,900. That’s over 5 times the average income — far above the historic ratio of 3:1, which was considered manageable for the average family. Add in interest rates sitting around 6.86% as of May 2025, and what used to be a monthly mortgage payment of $1,000 is now well over $2,000.

This isn’t the 2008 crash. This is a slow bleed — driven by years of underbuilding, supply chain problems, inflation, and investor purchases driving up prices in once-affordable markets. Young buyers are boxed out. Renters are getting crushed. The American dream has turned into a pay-to-play scheme.

But as always, where there’s a crisis, there’s also opportunity.

You’re not going to fix the housing market. But you can outsmart it. One viable option? Buying cheap, broken properties and fixing them up. These homes are often ignored by mainstream buyers, which means lower prices and fewer bidding wars.

But it’s not a walk in the park. You’ll need:

DIY skills (or friends who have them)

The ability to spot structural vs cosmetic issues

A strong budget, especially for surprise problems

Patience — a full rehab takes time and effort

Think of it like urban homesteading. It’s not about flipping for profit — it’s about securing a stable base, adding value over time, and living outside the trap of endless debt.

If you’re hoping the market will crash and prices will suddenly be affordable again — that’s a dangerous bet. The new normal is higher prices, more risk, and fewer safety nets. The smart prepper approach is to adapt. Look for alternative living situations. Consider shared housing, mobile homes, or rural properties. And if you can, grab a junker and rebuild it piece by piece.

Because in the end, survival isn’t just about food and ammo. It’s about having a place to call home — one you own, control, and defend.

Listen to Episode 425 now, and take control of your future — one brick at a time.

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