June marks National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the dream of owning a home and reflect on what it means for individuals and families across the U.S. In honor of the occasion, top homebuilder KB Home has released the results of its second annual survey, revealing what Americans think and feel about homeownership in today’s market.
Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, rising costs, and a tough housing market, a large majority of Americans still see buying a home as a major life goal. According to KB Home’s survey, 83% of respondents believe homeownership is a meaningful milestone but 89% are concerned about affordability and the overall buying process.
Americans Still Believe in the Dream But They’re Anxious
The survey, conducted in April 2025 by The Harris Poll, shows that the desire to own a home remains strong. Feelings like enthusiasm (47%), pride (43%), and motivation (28%) were commonly associated with the idea of buying a home.
Top reasons for wanting to own a home included:
- More living space (47%)
- A sense of safety and security (47%)
- Access to a backyard or outdoor area (43%)
- Avoiding rising rents and hidden fees (42%)
- Long-term financial growth (41%)
Buyers are also clear about their non-negotiables. Even if working within a tight budget, most Americans said they wouldn’t sacrifice key features like:
- A modern floor plan (83%)
- A limited home warranty (87%)
- Lower utility bills through energy efficiency (86%)
- The ability to personalize their home (78%)
Interestingly, many are willing to adjust their lifestyles to make homeownership a reality 74% said they’d cut back on expenses like dining out or even stay with family longer to save money.
Affordability, Debt, and Confusion Remain Major Barriers
While the dream is alive, the process remains intimidating. A staggering 89% of Americans and an even higher 93% of renters admit they have concerns about buying a home. Anxiety (27%) and stress (24%) were the top emotions people reported feeling after a home purchase.
Their biggest fears?
- Affording a home loan (44%)
- Taking on new debt (41%)
- Buying a property that needs costly repairs (30%)
- Not knowing if now is the right time to buy (28%)
- Settling for a home they don’t truly love (23%)
Financial uncertainty is a major theme. When asked what worries them most about the money side of homebuying, Americans pointed to:
- Saving enough for a down payment (45%)
- Understanding how much they can afford (43%)
- Securing the best mortgage rate (42%)
- Being confident they can manage monthly payments (42%)
More than half (54%) believe they are in worse shape than previous generations when it comes to buying a home. Respondents said today’s buyers face challenges their parents didn’t namely higher prices (46%), steeper mortgage rates (38%), and greater economic instability (36%).
A Knowledge Gap Is Holding Buyers Back
A big part of the problem is that many people simply don’t understand the homebuying process. According to KB Home’s findings, 70% of adults either believe mortgage rates are at an all-time high or don’t know where rates stand.
In fact, while today’s 30-year fixed mortgage rate hovers around 6.8%, that’s still lower than the 18.6% peak seen in 1981, and below the 50-year average of 7.7%.
Even basic terminology trips up many buyers:
- 44% aren’t clear on what APR means
- 49% don’t fully understand PMI (private mortgage insurance)
- Only 37% know that a 20% down payment isn’t required
- Just 25% are aware that you can get a mortgage with a credit score in the 500s
Younger generations in particular feel overwhelmed. Nearly one in four Gen Zers (25%) and millennials (23%) said they didn’t know where to begin. And many (around 20%) felt anxious simply because they couldn’t find reliable guidance.
Education and Support Are Key
To help bridge the knowledge gap, KB Home is hosting free Homebuying 101 workshops across the country. These in-person sessions cover everything from the benefits of new construction to financing strategies and home customization.
“Buying a home is the biggest purchase many people will ever make,” said Rob McGibney, President and COO of KB Home. “Our goal is to help people feel confident whether it’s picking a layout, understanding financing, or choosing finishes. This survey shows just how important that guidance is.”
Bottom Line:
The American dream of homeownership is still alive in 2025 but for many, it’s clouded by confusion, financial stress, and fear of making the wrong move. With trusted education, smart planning, and the right support, more people can feel confident stepping into homeownership. For more information about finance visit Nadlan Capital Group.