WASHINGTON – Aug. 25, 2010 – According to the 2009 American Housing Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), median monthly housing costs were $1,000 for homeowners and $808 for renters last year – and renters devoted 31 percent of income to housing costs, versus 20 percent for homeowners.

The survey, available on the Census Bureau’s website, pegs the median home price at $107,500 for existing dwellings and $240,000 for newly constructed houses last year.

Of the close to 112 million occupied housing units covered by the survey, 66 percent had a primary mortgage and/or home equity loan, 32 percent were owned free and clear and 2 percent had a home equity line of credit.

Of homeowners who recently relocated, 28 percent said finances were their top consideration, while 15 percent cited the new home’s room/layout and design, and 10 percent moved because of the new home’s size.

The survey also showed that 64 percent of homes had at least three bedrooms and 51 percent had at least two bathrooms, rising to 80 percent and 89 percent, respectively, for new dwellings.

The 2009 American Housing Survey is available at: http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/housing/ahs/ahs.html

Source: RISMedia (08/20/10)

© Copyright 2010 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688