Connecticut
Growing challenges to find and afford starter homes in Connecticut
It can be especially daunting for those considering buying their first home and to see the costs surging.
Karess Cannon is ready to stop renting and is searching for her first home somewhere in central Connecticut.
“I realize there’s no perfect time, but as rents keep going up, it just makes sense to actually be putting money into something that I own,” Cannon said.
For many buyers, it’s becoming harder to find and afford a starter home – those in the bottom quarter of sales.
Starter prices here in Connecticut have skyrocketed about 50% from 2019 to 2024, according to Realtor.com.
The average starter home going from about $263,000 to then hitting $390,000.
Cannon has been saving and while she hasn’t been priced out of the current market yet, it still has its surprises.
“Like the listings, the reality of what’s out there right now, how does that contrast with your expectations going into the process?” NBC Connecticut’s Matt Austin asked.
“Yeah, I mean, I think it’s just kind of knowing that X amount of dollars isn’t going to get you X amount house. Like that’s been the biggest management and being like, what things do I really need versus wants,” Cannon said.
When it comes to the costs, experts recommend buyers keep their mortgage payments to less than 30% of their income.
That means to afford the average starter home in the state, someone needs an income of about $93,000.
That’s gone up a lot recently amid a rise in prices and mortgage rates.
“You put those two things together and affordability starts to feel less and less attainable,” said Rachael Cisz, of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services New England Properties.
Cisz says with lower supply these past few years starter homes are in high demand.
It’s all adding up and last year only 24% of successful homebuyers were first-timers – the lowest on record.
Cisz tries to prepare her clients for searching in this market.
“I think it is all about setting the expectations both for what the process is going to look like and also kind of showing them firsthand. Here’s what your money can buy you, you know, in different towns, different types of properties,” Cisz said. “I’m always stressing to them, ‘you know, you might want this in a house, but you need to remember this isn’t your forever home. It’s just getting you into the market.’”
Cisz also reminds hopeful homeowners there is help for first-time buyers, including state assistance with a down payment.
DANBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — Danbury drivers can expect hours-long closures on Sugar Hollow Road early Monday morning after a “serious” crash, according to local police.
Police said the morning crash has caused closures in both directions at the Ridgefield Line (Bennetts Farm Road) and at Miry Brook Road.
The road is expected to close for approximately three to four hours, police said.
Drivers are asked to seek alternate routes, including George Washington Highway and Route 53.
There are no words on injuries.
Additional information was not immediately available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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ROCKY HILL, Conn. (WFSB) – People like Dena Pizzoferrato are changing what they put in their grocery carts after hearing about a cyclosporiasis outbreak.
“I’m kind of a little nervous so I’m looking to see what I buy right now,” Pizzoferrato said. “Today I didn’t buy any lettuce. I said I’m OK for now.”
Doctors say the illness is spread through parasites that make their way onto fresh produce. There have been 23 reported cases in Connecticut since May, but the CDC says the number is likely higher. Across the country, more than 840 cases and 86 hospitalizations have been reported in 31 states.
Symptoms include diarrhea and nausea that can last days to weeks. Doctors have not identified a source for the outbreak.
Dr. Ulysses Wu, chief epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare, said a range of produce could be contaminated.
“Typical things you would think are vegetables or fruits. In the past, it’s been raspberries, basil, cilantro. You may find it in lettuces, bagged salads. So it’s a variety of things that can be contaminated, but they have not found it at this time,” said Wu.
Wu said residents should take precautions with their produce. “Take precautions with your fruit and your produce. We give the same advice when people go overseas that you should always peel something. You should always boil something,” he said.
Doctors also recommend washing produce thoroughly if boiling is not an option, and washing hands regularly.
Copyright 2026 WFSB. All rights reserved.
Chip Rubenstein, owner of Chip’s Auto Sales of Milford, says he’s honored to celebrate the dealership’s 50th anniversary alongside America’s 250th birthday.
“I opened Chip’s Auto Sales in 1976, during a chaotic time for our nation in the world,” said Rubenstein, “50 years later, I am so proud of the legacy I’ve created as somebody who always tried his best to do right, and to serve my community proudly.”
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