U.S. Homeowners Face Rising Costs and Affordability Gap in 2026

A 2026 survey of 2,003 U.S. homeowners found that 65% say owning a home costs more than they expected. Property taxes have risen 41% between 2018 and 2025, while insurance, maintenance and everyday expenses add further strain. As a result, 22% are cutting retirement savings and 33% are postponing major purchases such as cars. Nearly one‑third have less than $1,000 in emergency savings and more than half report significant stress over day‑to‑day expenses.

Home equity remains substantial but many owners are unsure of its size; almost half cannot estimate their equity, and the average mortgaged home holds about $299,000 in equity. While 60% view equity as a financial safety net, 48% treat it as a long‑term wealth store they would only tap as a last resort.

Operation HOPE’s analysis echoes the pressures, noting the national homeownership rate is 65.3% and that 65% of households cannot afford a median‑priced home of $413,595. The typical first‑time buyer is now 40 years old, the highest on record. Sixty‑two percent of Americans consider buying a home unrealistic, and an estimated 45 million households are effectively priced out compared with pre‑pandemic levels. The combined data highlight a growing affordability gap and its impact on financial resilience for millions of Americans.