Inflation is a constant, and it impacts both home purchase and rental prices. Post-pandemic, when inflation peaked at 9.1 percent, the median existing home price hit a new high of $416,000, a 13.4 percent year-over-year jump, according to the National Association of Realtors.However, home price appreciation has historically outpaced inflation. From an investment standpoint, that makes buying a home a relatively safe bet, especially if you get a mortgage at an attractive, fixed rate.