New Redfin Survey Shows Americans Split on Immigration Impact on Housing Costs

Redfin Survey: Americans Are Torn on How Immigration, Tariffs Impact Housing Affordability

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06/12/2025 - 08:30 AM

51% of surveyed homeowners and renters think less immigration could make homes more expensive, while 39% think it could make homes more affordable. Regarding tariffs, 68% of respondents think tariffs could fuel price inflation and high interest rates, while 35% think they could make homes more affordable.

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- (NASDAQ: RDFN) — Over half of U.S. homeowners and renters (51.2%) strongly or somewhat agree with the following statement: “Less immigration will result in fewer construction workers, and thereby fewer new homes, making homes more expensive.” That’s according to a new survey commissioned by Redfin (www.redfin.com), the technology-powered real estate brokerage.

But much of the nation holds the opposite view; 38.5% of homeowners and renters strongly or somewhat agree with this statement: “Less immigration will reduce demand for housing, making it more affordable.”

Democrat respondents were more likely than Republican respondents to agree with the idea that less immigration will make homes more expensive: 67.1% vs 38.7%.

These survey findings are from a nationally representative Redfin-commissioned survey of 4,000 U.S. homeowners and renters conducted by Ipsos March 28, 2025-April 28, 2025. The relevant survey question is: “To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements in relation to recent and/or proposed changes to laws or policies that could affect the housing market?”

U.S. homeowners and renters are also torn on how tariffs will impact the housing market. Over two-thirds (67.9%) strongly or somewhat agree with the following statement: “Tariffs will cause price inflation and keep interest rates high.” But over one-third (34.7%) strongly or somewhat agree with this statement: “Tariffs will help boost the U.S. economy so more people can afford homes.”

Republican respondents were more likely than Democrat respondents to agree with the idea that tariffs will help boost the economy so more people can afford homes: 55.3% vs 23.9%.

Redfin reported in April that nearly 1 in 4 U.S. residents are canceling plans to make a major purchase, such as a home or a car, because of President Trump’s new tariff policies.

43% of U.S. Homeowners and Renters Are Worried About Impact of Tariffs on Housing Market

More than 2 in 5 U.S. homeowners and renters (43.1%) feel very or somewhat worried about the effect tariffs could have on their local housing market/home values. Roughly one-third (33.1%) feel very or somewhat hopeful.

When it comes to immigration, 40.7% of homeowners and renters feel very or somewhat hopeful about the effect deportations/fewer immigrants could have on the economy, while 26.3% feel very or somewhat worried.

To view the full report, including charts and detailed methodology, please visit: https://www.redfin.com/news/immigration-housing-affordability-survey

About Redfin

Redfin (www.redfin.com) is a technology-powered real estate company. We help people find a place to live with brokerage, rentals, lending, and title insurance services. We run the country's #1 real estate brokerage site. Our customers can save thousands in fees while working with a top agent. Our home-buying customers see homes first with on-demand tours, and our lending and title services help them close quickly. Our rentals business empowers millions nationwide to find apartments and houses for rent. Since launching in 2006, we've saved customers more than $1.8 billion in commissions. We serve approximately 100 markets across the U.S. and Canada and employ over 4,000 people.

Redfin’s subsidiaries and affiliated brands include: Bay Equity Home Loans®, Rent.™, Apartment Guide®, Title Forward® and WalkScore®.

For more information or to contact a local Redfin real estate agent, visit www.redfin.com. To learn about housing market trends and download data, visit the Redfin Data Center. To be added to Redfin's press release distribution list, email press@redfin.com. To view Redfin's press center, click here.