A majority of U.S. consumers indicated a preference for buying a home rather than renting or moving in with family in Bank of America 's latest homebuyer insights report, marking the first time since 2023 that sentiment has tilted toward homeownership. The results suggest improving attitudes toward buying even as high mortgage rates, elevated home prices and constrained supply continue to exert pressure on the market.
The survey found that 53% of respondents favor purchasing a home, while 47% favor renting or moving in with family. Bank of America noted that 71% of respondents said they were waiting for interest rates and home prices to fall before buying, a decrease from 75% in 2025.
Generational differences appear to be driving much of the change: Gen Z and millennials are leading the move toward buying, according to the report. Prospective buyers and existing homeowners are also bringing forward their timetables. Approximately 22% said they plan to buy within the next year, compared with 15% in 2025, the report said.
"Despite real and persistent challenges in the market, buyers and owners are increasingly optimistic, and many are starting to move forward rather than waiting on the sidelines," said Matt Vernon, head of consumer lending at Bank of America. "We are seeing meaningful changes in attitudes toward homeownership."
Affordability remains the dominant obstacle for would-be buyers. The survey identified high home prices and elevated interest rates among consumers 's top concerns when considering a purchase.
Another notable finding is the growing role of artificial intelligence in the homebuying process. One in five prospective buyers and current homeowners said they used AI tools or chatbots in the past year to estimate costs, evaluate neighborhoods and monitor market trends, the report found.
The findings are based on a Sparks Research poll conducted on behalf of Bank of America that surveyed 1,000 homeowners and 1,000 renters between April and May.
What this means for markets and sectors
The shift toward homeownership sentiment may affect mortgage demand, housing-related consumer spending and sectors tied to residential real estate, but the report underscores that affordability constraints persist.