Print pageRenters Want to Own — but Feel Shut Out by Costs, Barriers and Lack of Support
A new national survey, commissioned by NeighborWorks America and conducted by Morning Consult, finds that many renters across the United States want to own a home — but nearly half say it doesn’t feel possible. Rising costs, a shortage of affordable homes and a lack of trusted guidance are putting homeownership out of reach, especially for younger and lower-income households.
Key Findings at a Glance:
- Homeownership feels out of reach:
Forty-eight percent of renters say buying a home doesn't seem possible. Only 15% feel it’s very possible. - Younger renters are more optimistic:
Gen Z renters are more likely to believe in their path to ownership (53%) compared to just 21% of Baby Boomers. - Not all renters see the same opportunity:
Black renters (57%) and Hispanic renters (47%) are more likely than white renters (35%) to believe buying is within reach. Renters making less than $50,000 per year are most likely to feel stuck in renting. - Costs are a major obstacle:
Sixty-six percent of renters are surprised by how expensive the homebuying process is, and 64% say there are too few affordable homes where they live. - People want to buy — for good reasons:
Renters are drawn to ownership to provide stability for their families (44%), lower housing costs (39%), build equity (29%) and stay in their communities long term (23%). - Barriers go beyond price tags:
Saving for a down payment is the biggest hurdle (66%), but many renters also point to limited access to loan assistance (55%) and confusion around the mortgage process (41%). - Housing counseling could be a game changer:
A strong majority of renters say they would benefit from help:- 64% want down payment assistance
- 62% want education on mortgage options
- 58% want access to first-time homebuyer programs
- Over half also see value in financial coaching and connecting with current homeowners
What This Tells Us:
The dream of homeownership is still alive — but too many renters are navigating it alone. With rising housing costs and limited affordable options, people need guidance they can trust. Housing counseling, down payment assistance and financial coaching are more than nice-to-haves — they’re essential tools for closing the gap between renting and owning.
NeighborWorks America and its network of nonprofit organizations are committed to walking alongside individuals on the path to homeownership, providing the support, tools and confidence needed to help more people build financial security and stronger communities.
👉 Read our full press release to learn more about what renters are facing and how NeighborWorks is helping to make homeownership a reality.
Methodology: This poll was conducted between February 1 - 5, 2025 among a sample of 4,426 adults in the general population of the United States age 18+. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, gender, race, educational attainment, region, gender by age, and race by educational attainment. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 1 percentage points. (Renters: N = 1,806; Homeowners: N = 2,303)
Download graphics to go with the survey data here.
