Insights
The new calculus of shelter: Why the rental market is the economy’s safety valve
As the gap between renting and buying narrows, the 2026 housing narrative demands a more nuanced lens. In this analysis, Michael Lucarelli explores why rental affordability, capital flexibility, and rising vacancy rates are acting as a stabilizing force for the broader economy. Renting is no longer a temporary step. It is a strategic financial decision shaping the future of housing.