House poor Meaning in English
expression
Definition
Describes someone who spends so much money on their house that they struggle to afford other basic needs. It means most of their income goes to their home expenses, leaving little for anything else.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, mainly used in North America. Describes financial stress from high home costs, often a mortgage. Common with 'be'/'become house poor.' Not about homelessness or poverty, but about poor cash flow despite owning (or paying for) a home.
Example Sentences
They are house poor after buying that big house.
basic
Many young families are house poor because of expensive mortgages.
basic
If you are house poor, it can be hard to save money.
basic
We love our home, but being house poor means we can't afford vacations anymore.
natural
After the renovation costs, I realized I was completely house poor.
natural
Don't become house poor—make sure you still have money for daily life before buying your dream home.
natural