Homeownership has long been called the cornerstone of the American dream, but for many households, that dream is coming with a heavy price tag. According to a recent LendingTree survey reported by Pro Builder, half of mortgage holders saw their monthly payments rise over the past two years. As a result, 59% of households now consider themselves “house poor,” meaning their housing costs leave little room for anything else.

The strain is not spread evenly. While more than half of all surveyed households report feeling house poor, the sentiment is especially strong among the youngest homeowners. The survey found that 73% of Gen Z homeowners and 67% of Millennials say they are house poor, compared with 49% of Gen Xers and 41% of Baby Boomers. For younger buyers who stretched to enter the market, a rising payment can turn a long-awaited milestone into a monthly source of stress.

Among mortgage holders whose payments increased, 21% are working additional hours or taking on a second job to keep up, and 20% have reduced or skipped vacations. Another 7% cut back on everyday spending. Homeowners are trading away time, rest, and experiences to cover a payment that keeps growing.

This is where renting offers a compelling alternative. At Havana Enclave in Miami, residents enjoy the freedom of a predictable monthly housing cost without the surprise of a payment that climbs while income stays the same. There is no need for a second job to protect an investment, and no need to give up the trips and everyday comforts that make life in Miami so rewarding. Renting keeps your budget flexible and your time your own.

Choosing to rent now does not mean giving up on your long-term goals. It means giving yourself room to save, travel, and enjoy the city on your own terms while the housing market sorts itself out. Discover what everyday life can look like at Havana Enclave and see why renting may be the smartest move you can make right now.

Havana Enclave’s leasing is being led by The Oscar Arellano Team at Coldwell Banker Realty, with Oscar Arellano, Eyvis Mendoza, and Nelson Albareda heading the effort as exclusive leasing representatives for the project. To learn more or to schedule a visit, stop by our leasing office at 3485 W. Flagler St., Suite 100, open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday by appointment-only in the hours of operation. You can also reach the leasing team at (305) 802-2266 or visit havanaenclave.com.

Developer The Astor Companies continues to make incredible progress on the construction of Havana Enclave as it moves closer to its expected completion in the first quarter of 2027. Havana Enclave reflects Astor’s commitment to meet Miami’s housing needs and help the city it calls home reach its full potential.

Havana Enclave General Contractor BDI Construction completed carpet installation in the fourth and fifth floor corridors, while the main lobby is taking shape. Temporary power equipment was removed from the southeast corner of the building. This follows the beginning of installation of landscaping lighting on the sidewalk on the east side of the building, and the installation and connection of electrical room meters.

Astor and the Havana Enclave team look forward to officially opening the building in the first quarter of 2027! For more information about the project, visit blog.HavanaEnclave.com or email Info@HavanaEnclave.com.