What Real Estate’s 14-Year Winning Streak Means for Buyers and Sellers

Quick question: Which investment do Americans trust more than stocks, gold, savings accounts, or bonds? The answer has remained the same for 14 straight years.

It's real estate. And this year, confidence is stronger than ever. New research shows people aren't just saying homeownership is a smart investment—they're more optimistic about it than they've been in years. Here's what's driving that confidence.

Real Estate Claims the Top Spot Once Again

Every year, Gallup asks Americans which investment they believe is the best for the long term. For the 14th consecutive year, real estate claimed the top spot (see graph below).

That’s more than a passing trend. For 14 consecutive years, real estate has ranked ahead of stocks, gold, and every other investment option.

Think about everything that's happened over the past 14 years—rising interest rates, market volatility, inflation, and election cycles. Through it all, Americans have continued to rank real estate as their top long-term investment. That kind of consistency speaks volumes about the confidence people have in homeownership. And historically, it's been one of the most effective ways to build long-term wealth.

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

"Homeownership has long been one of the most dependable ways to build wealth. In addition to providing a place to live, a home can grow in value over time, help homeowners build equity, and become a lasting financial asset that benefits future generations."

You may have seen headlines or social media posts claiming home prices are falling and wondered if that changes the equation. In most cases, it doesn't. Nationally, home prices are still rising—they're simply appreciating at a slower pace than they were a few years ago.

While some local markets have experienced modest price declines, those pullbacks are small compared to the substantial gains home values have made over the past five years. Historically, home prices have trended upward over time. If you plan to stay in your home for several years, you'll likely have the opportunity to build equity as your home's value grows.

Buying Continues to Outshine Renting

Owning a home has been a long-term goal for many Americans, and that sentiment appears to be gaining momentum again.

Bank of America's latest Homebuyer Insights Report found that 53% of consumers now believe buying a home is better than renting or living with family, the first time buying has taken the lead since 2023 (see graph below).

That same report highlights several other signs that confidence in homeownership continues to grow:

• 90% of respondents say owning a home is a valuable investment, up from 79% just one year ago.
• 94% believe homeownership provides stability, an increase from 83% the previous year.

Those are meaningful increases in just one year. So, what's behind the growing confidence?

Homeownership Offers More Than Financial Rewards

Affordability remains a challenge, and some housing markets are still difficult to enter. But that hasn't changed how many people view homeownership. That's because buying a home is about more than just finances—it's a lifestyle decision that offers stability, independence, and a place to truly call your own.

A home offers rewards that go far beyond financial returns. As Sheharyar Bokhari, Principal Economist at Redfin, explains:

"A home is more than just a place to live or keep your belongings. It's where memories are made, relationships grow, and a true sense of belonging takes shape. Homeownership gives people the opportunity to establish roots and create a space that reflects their lifestyle, values, and personality."

That's something no investment account can provide. A home not only has the potential to build wealth over time, but it also gives you a place to create memories, build community, and put down roots. That's a value that goes well beyond the financial return.

Bottom Line

For the 14th consecutive year, Americans have ranked real estate as the nation's top long-term investment, and confidence in homeownership continues to grow. If you're wondering whether buying a home is the right move, now is a great time to connect with a local real estate agent who can help you explore your options and determine the best path forward.