Financialization of the housing sector contributes to rising housing prices, particularly in urban areas. Investors want to earn a higher rate of return and, especially when interest rates rise, the arithmetic of accounting would lead investors to charge higher prices for homes or to lower the level of maintenance or both. Therefore, in equilibrium, the price of homes would be higher and their quality would be lower, which would make it more difficult for individuals and families to buy homes at an affordable price.