Only 25% of American non-homeowners intend to buy a house within the next five years, according to a May 2026 poll [1].

This shift reflects a deepening affordability crisis in the U.S. housing market. As home prices climb and economic pressures mount, the dream of property ownership is becoming out of reach for a growing segment of the population.

The current sentiment marks a significant decline from previous decades. Approximately 50% of non-homeowners intended to purchase a home a decade ago [2]. This represents a nearly twofold decrease in the share of the population viewing homeownership as a viable near-term goal.

Market conditions are a primary driver of this trend. Median home prices in the U.S. have now risen above $400,000 [3]. These elevated costs, combined with broader economic volatility, have created a restrictive environment for first-time buyers.

Public perception of the market is negative. About 67% of Americans said the current environment is a bad time to buy a house [4]. This sentiment underscores the disconnect between available inventory, and the financial capacity of prospective buyers.

The affordability squeeze is not limited to a single demographic but is a broad trend across the country. The combination of high median prices, and a lack of accessible entry-level housing continues to push potential buyers out of the market [3].

“Only 25% of American non-homeowners intend to buy a house within the next five years.”

The sharp decline in homebuying intent suggests a structural shift in the U.S. economy where housing is transitioning from a common middle-class milestone to a luxury asset. When a majority of the population perceives the market as inaccessible, it may lead to prolonged rental demand and increased pressure on the rental market, further complicating the path to wealth accumulation for non-homeowners.