Does buying a home still make sense in 2026 with mortgage rates this high?

It can, but the math is stricter than it was during the low-rate years. High rates raise your monthly payment for the same price, so you buy less house per dollar and your break-even horizon lengthens. Buying makes sense if you plan to stay put five-plus years, the payment fits comfortably inside your budget, and you have a full emergency fund on top of the down payment. Remember you can refinance if rates fall later, but you can't un-buy an unaffordable house. Marry the house, date the rate is the common phrase. Stress-test the payment at wealthserene.com/tools/home-affordability and take the assessment at wealthserene.com/assessments/mortgage-readiness before committing in this environment.