Three Out of Four Americans View Homeownership as Part of the American Dream

Rhea-AI Summary

Realtor.com's recent survey reveals that 75% of Americans consider homeownership part of the American Dream, with 64% identifying it as a life goal. The sentiment varies across generations, with Baby Boomers showing the strongest belief (84%), followed by Gen X (74%), Millennials (69%), and Gen Z (67%).

The survey indicates that 59% of Americans believe homeownership is achievable, with Baby Boomers being most confident (63%). Regarding wealth building, younger generations - Millennials (53%) and Gen Z (52%) - are more likely to view homeownership as necessary for long-term wealth compared to Gen X (48%) and Baby Boomers (45%).

Current homeownership rates vary significantly by generation: Baby Boomers lead at 66%, followed by Gen X at 54%, Millennials at 43%, and Gen Z at 33%. The survey, conducted in November 2024, included 2,201 adults and was weighted to represent the U.S. population demographics.

Positive

• 75% of Americans view homeownership as part of the American Dream
• 64% identify homeownership as a life goal
• 59% believe homeownership is achievable
• Strong generational interest in homeownership, particularly among younger generations (70% Gen Z, 69% Millennials)

Negative

• Declining sentiment toward homeownership across younger generations (84% Boomers vs 67% Gen Z)
• Lower current homeownership rates among younger generations (33% Gen Z vs 66% Boomers)
• Less than half of older generations see homeownership as necessary for building long-term wealth

Insights

Market Research Analyst

Realtor.com's survey reveals compelling demographic shifts in housing market sentiment that could impact News Corp's (NWSA) digital real estate services segment. The data showing 75% of Americans viewing homeownership as part of the American Dream, coupled with generational variations, provides valuable market intelligence. The 59% achievability confidence rate across demographics suggests sustained demand despite current market challenges.

The most actionable insight is the strong desire for homeownership among millennials (69%) and Gen Z (70%), who represent the next wave of potential homebuyers. This sustained demand could drive long-term growth for digital real estate platforms, particularly benefiting News Corp's REA Group and Move (Realtor.com) operations. The record-high median buyer age of 56 in 2024 indicates a potential market shift that could influence advertising strategies and platform development.

For investors, this data suggests resilient long-term revenue potential in News Corp's digital real estate services, despite current market headwinds. The strong millennial and Gen Z interest could translate into sustained user growth and advertising revenue as these demographics enter their prime home-buying years.

Consumer Behavior Specialist

The generational divide in homeownership perception presents fascinating behavioral insights. The stark contrast between baby boomers' (84%) and Gen Z's (67%) views on homeownership as part of the American Dream reflects evolving consumer values and economic realities. More intriguingly, younger generations' stronger belief in homeownership as a wealth-building tool (52-53% for Gen Z/Millennials vs. 45-48% for older generations) signals a potential shift in financial planning behaviors.

This psychological positioning of homeownership as both aspirational and achievable, despite current market challenges, indicates resilient consumer demand. The 2,201-person survey provides statistically significant evidence of sustained market interest across demographics, though actual conversion to purchases may face headwinds from affordability constraints.

The data suggests that digital real estate platforms will need to adapt their service offerings and marketing strategies to address distinct generational preferences and concerns, particularly focusing on younger demographics' wealth-building aspirations while maintaining relevance for older, more confident buyers.

Sentiments towards homeownership remain positive as Americans identify it as a life goal, but is it still seen as necessary to build long-term wealth? 

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Dream is alive and thriving, according to a new survey from Realtor.com^®, which found nearly two out of three Americans (64%) identify homeownership as one of their life goals, while 50% believe homeownership is necessary to achieving long-term wealth.

"Home, and land, ownership has been a part of the American Dream for generations, and while current conditions around affordability and the availability of homes make ownership more challenging, many Americans still see that ideal of having a home that belongs to them as a key cornerstone of achieving both the American Dream and creating long-term wealth for themselves and their families," said Laura Eddy, VP Research and Insights, Realtor.com^®.

Homeownership Continues to be a Part of the American Dream, But is Desire Dropping?
A majority, 75%, of Americans believe homeownership is part of the American dream, but the sentiment differs across generations. Baby boomers feel the strongest, as 84% see homeownership as an integral part of achieving the American Dream, while the rest of the generations agree but to a lesser degree, especially as they get younger: 74% of Gen X, 69% of millennials and 67% of Gen Z feel that owning a home is a part of the American Dream.

That being said, the desire to own a home is still high, as Americans, particularly millennials (69%) and Gen Z (70%), identify it as a life goal, significantly more than Gen X (62%) and baby boomers (59%), potentially because they aren't as likely to own their home.

Americans are Confident that Homeownership is Achievable
As sentiments towards homeownership remain positive, according to the Realtor.com^® survey, more than half of Americans surveyed (59%) believe that homeownership is achievable for them. Baby boomers are the most confident when it comes to their ability to buy a home with 63% stating that homeownership is achievable, and, perhaps surprisingly, millennials are the next most likely to consider homeownership achievable (57%), followed by Gen X (55%) and Gen Z (54%).

Interestingly, the age of homebuyers reached an all-time high in 2024. According to the National Association of Realtors^® 2024 Profile of Buyers and Sellers, the median age of buyers peaked at 56 years old and the typical repeat buyer age is 61 years old, likely contributing to the bump in confidence for the eldest generation.

Younger Generations Agree Homeownership is Integral to Building Long Term Wealth
When it comes to building wealth, millennials (53%) and Gen Z (52%) are more likely than their elders to believe that owning a home is necessary to building long term wealth. In fact, less than half of Gen X (48%) and baby boomers (45%) see homeownership as necessary for building long-term wealth, even though they are more likely to own their current residence. According to the survey, 66% of baby boomers, 54% of Gen X, 43% of millennials and 33% of Gen Z currently own their primary residence.

Methodology
The Realtor.com^® poll was conducted on November 7-8, 2024, among a national sample of 2201 Adults ages 18+. The survey was conducted online, and the data was weighted to approximate a target sample of Adults in the U.S. based on gender, educational attainment, age, race, and region.

About Realtor.com^®
Realtor.com^® is an open real estate marketplace built for everyone. Realtor.com^® pioneered the world of digital real estate more than 25 years ago. Today, through its website and mobile apps, Realtor.com^® is a trusted guide for consumers, empowering more people to find their way home by breaking down barriers, helping them make the right connections, and creating confidence through expert insights and guidance. For professionals, Realtor.com^® is a trusted partner for business growth, offering consumer connections and branding solutions that help them succeed in today's on-demand world. Realtor.com^® is operated by News Corp [Nasdaq: NWS, NWSA] [ASX: NWS, NWSLV] subsidiary Move, Inc. For more information, visit Realtor.com^®.

Media contact: Asees Singh, press@realtor.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/three-out-of-four-americans-view-homeownership-as-part-of-the-american-dream-302349847.html

SOURCE Realtor.com

FAQ

What percentage of Americans consider homeownership part of the American Dream in 2024?

According to Realtor.com's survey, 75% of Americans consider homeownership part of the American Dream in 2024.

How do different generations view homeownership as part of the American Dream?

Baby Boomers show the strongest belief at 84%, followed by Gen X at 74%, Millennials at 69%, and Gen Z at 67%.

What are the current homeownership rates across generations in 2024?

Baby Boomers lead at 66%, followed by Gen X at 54%, Millennials at 43%, and Gen Z at 33%.

What percentage of Americans believe homeownership is achievable in 2024?

59% of Americans believe homeownership is achievable, with Baby Boomers being most confident at 63%.

How do younger generations view homeownership as a wealth-building tool?

53% of Millennials and 52% of Gen Z believe homeownership is necessary for building long-term wealth, compared to 48% of Gen X and 45% of Baby Boomers.