Welcome to today’s blog, where we’re looking at why real estate continues to hold such a trusted place in Americans’ long term plans. With confidence in homeownership rising again, this is a closer look at what makes owning a home both a meaningful lifestyle decision and a powerful opportunity to build stability and wealth over time.
14 Years Running: Why Real Estate Is Still America's Favorite Long-Term Investment
Why do Americans continue to rank real estate as the best long-term investment, and what does that mean if you're thinking about buying a home?
For the 14th consecutive year, Americans named real estate as the best long-term investment, outperforming stocks, gold, savings accounts, bonds, and cryptocurrency. At the same time, confidence in homeownership is rising again, signaling that many people see buying a home as both a smart financial decision and a meaningful lifestyle investment.
Real Estate Has Earned America's Trust
If you had to guess which investment Americans trust most over the long run, would you pick stocks? Gold? A savings account?
According to Gallup, the answer is still real estate.
For the 14th consecutive year, real estate ranked as America's favorite long-term investment, beating every other major investment category.
Consistency That Speaks Volumes
That isn't just an impressive streak. It's a reflection of how consistently people view homeownership as a reliable way to build wealth.
Think about everything that's happened over the past decade and a half:
- Historically high mortgage rates
- Inflation
- Stock market volatility
- Economic uncertainty
- Presidential elections
- A global pandemic
Through every one of those events, Americans continued to put real estate at the top of the list.
That consistency speaks volumes.
Michelle Egan
Head of Credit Solutions, Impact Finance at JPMorgan Chase
“Owning a home has long been considered one of the most reliable ways to build wealth. Beyond providing shelter, a home is a valuable asset that can appreciate over time, build equity, and serve as a financial resource for generations.”
Home Values Continue to Build Wealth Over Time
It's easy to get distracted by headlines suggesting home prices are cooling in certain markets.
While some areas have experienced modest price adjustments, the national story remains much different.
Home appreciation has simply returned to a healthier, more sustainable pace after several years of extraordinary growth.
Historically, real estate has rewarded homeowners who stay invested for the long term.
When you own a home over several years, you have the opportunity to:
- Build equity through mortgage payments
- Benefit from long-term appreciation
- Create financial stability through ownership
That's one of the reasons real estate continues to outperform other investments in the eyes of most Americans.
Buying Is Back on Top
Perhaps even more encouraging is what we're seeing from today's consumers.
According to Bank of America's 2026 Homebuyer Insights Report, 53% of Americans now believe buying a home is better than renting or moving in with family.
That's the first time since 2023 that buying has regained the majority opinion.
What Americans Are Saying About Homeownership
A Valuable Investment
90% say owning a home is a valuable investment (up from 79% last year)
A Source of Stability
94% believe homeownership provides stability (up from 83% the year before)
Those are significant jumps in a relatively short period of time. They suggest that despite affordability challenges, Americans continue to recognize the long-term benefits of owning a home.
A Home Is More Than an Investment
The financial benefits matter.
But they aren't the only reason people buy homes.
Owning a home offers something no stock portfolio ever can. A place that's truly yours.
Redfin Principal Economist Sheharyar Bokhari explains it well:
Sheharyar Bokhari
Principal Economist at Redfin
“For many homeowners, a home is more than a place to sleep and store belongings. It's a reflection of who they are. Homeownership can help people put down roots, build relationships and create a space that feels uniquely their own.”
A brokerage account may grow your money.
A home has the potential to grow your wealth while also giving you a place where memories are made, traditions begin, and life happens.
That's a different kind of return.
What This Means for Today's Buyers
Markets Will Keep Moving
No one can perfectly predict where mortgage rates or home prices will be next month.
Long-Term Thinking Matters
But history continues to show that people who purchase a home with a long-term mindset often benefit from both financial growth and personal stability.
Look Beyond the Headlines
If you've been waiting for the “perfect” moment, it may be worth looking beyond today's headlines and focusing on your long-term goals.
A 14 Year Vote of Confidence
Real estate has remained America's favorite investment for 14 straight years for a reason.
Americans Continue to Believe in the Long-Term Value of Homeownership
The latest data tells a clear story: Americans continue to believe in the long-term value of homeownership.
For the 14th consecutive year, real estate ranks as the nation's preferred long-term investment, and more people once again believe buying is better than renting.
If you've been wondering whether now is the right time to start planning your next move, let's have a conversation. The best decisions aren't made based on headlines—they're made based on your goals, your timeline, and your opportunities.
The Lance Group is here to help you understand your options and create a plan that's right for you.
Start the Conversation- Gallup. Americans' Favorite Long-Term Investment (2026). Gallup
- Bank of America. 2026 Homebuyer Insights Report. Bank of America
- JPMorgan Chase. Homeownership and wealth-building insights. JPMorgan Chase
- Redfin. Commentary from Principal Economist Sheharyar Bokhari. Redfin
