As of July 2026, the national rental market is showing signs of continued decline, with the median asking rent for 0–2 bedroom properties decreasing by $24, or 1.4%. This marks three consecutive years of year-over-year rent declines across the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the United States. According to Realtor.com, this trend reflects a shift towards greater affordability in the rental market, as renting remains more affordable than buying, although the gap between the two is narrowing 3.
In the construction sector, challenges are mounting due to ongoing legal disputes. A recent lawsuit involving 25 states against the Trump administration over Section 301 forced-labor tariffs has raised concerns about potential disruptions in material costs and availability. The lawsuit claims that these tariffs are a workaround for a Supreme Court decision that revoked previous duties, indicating that the construction industry may face increased costs and complications in sourcing materials 1.
Amid these challenges, the construction industry is also exploring innovative solutions to enhance safety and efficiency. The integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and drones is being highlighted as a promising method to unify jobsite data. This technology provides real-time visibility and enables faster, safer decision-making, addressing long-standing data challenges within the sector 2.
As the rental market continues to evolve and the construction industry adapts to legal and technological changes, stakeholders will need to navigate these dynamics carefully to ensure sustainable growth and affordability in housing.
Sources
- Construction Dive — 25 states sue Trump over Section 301 forced-labor tariffs
- Construction Dive — Construction’s data problem isn’t new. Brasfield & Gorrie’s approach is.
- Realtor.com Economic Research — July 2026 Rental Report: Renting a Starter Home is More Affordable than Buying, but the Gap is Narrowing