14 Years Later… Americans Still Trust Real Estate as an Investment

Quick question: When Americans think about the best long-term investment, what comes to mind?

Stocks? Gold? Savings accounts? Bonds?

For the last 14 years, the answer has remained the same: real estate investment.

And this year, confidence in homeownership is stronger than it has been in recent years. New data shows that people still see owning a home as one of the most reliable ways to build long-term wealth and create financial security.

Real Estate Continues to Hold the #1 Spot

Each year, Gallup asks Americans which investment they believe is the best choice for long-term growth. And for the 14th year in a row, real estate has come out on top.

That’s not just a short-term trend. It’s more than a decade of Americans consistently choosing real estate over other investment options.

Think about everything that has happened over those 14 years, changing interest rates, economic uncertainty, market ups and downs, and major shifts in the housing market.

Through it all, people have continued to recognize the value of owning a home.

And there’s a reason for that.

Homeownership has historically been one of the strongest ways Americans build wealth over time.

As Michelle Egan, Head of Credit Solutions, Impact Finance at JPMorgan Chase, explains:

“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.”

You may have seen headlines suggesting home values are dropping, but the bigger picture tells a different story. While some areas may experience small adjustments, home values nationally continue to rise, just at a slower pace than the rapid growth seen in previous years.

For homeowners who plan to stay in their homes long-term, real estate can continue to be a powerful tool for building equity.

More People Are Seeing the Value of Buying

Another encouraging sign? More people are once again recognizing the benefits of owning versus renting.

According to Bank of America’s latest Homebuyer Insights Report, 53% of people now say buying a home is better than renting or moving in with family. That marks the first time buying has taken the lead since 2023.

The report also found:

✔️ 90% of people say a home is a valuable investment, up from 79% last year.

✔️ 94% say owning a home provides stability, up from 83% the year before.

Those numbers show that homeownership is about more than just finances, it represents security, independence, and having a place to truly call your own.

A Home Is More Than an Investment

Yes, owning a home can help build wealth. But the value of homeownership goes beyond numbers on a spreadsheet.

A home is where memories are made. It’s where families grow, traditions begin, and people create a space that reflects their lives.

As Sheharyar Bokhari, Principal Economist at Redfin, says:

“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.”

That’s something no stock portfolio or savings account can provide.

A home can be both a financial investment and an investment in the life you’re building.

Bottom Line

For 14 years straight, Americans have continued to recognize real estate as one of the best long-term investments available.

If you’ve been wondering whether buying a home still makes sense for your goals, I can help you explore your options and understand what opportunities may be available in today’s market.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, looking to move up, or simply curious about your next step, reach out to me, Teresa Hill, for trusted guidance with all your real estate needs.

*Information sourced from Gallup, JPMorgan Chase,,Redfin, Realtor.com, & Keeping Current Matters