The idea of owning a home has always been a big deal in the U. S. But lately, it's becoming harder to achieve. Prices have shot up, and incomes aren't keeping pace. This is making many people think twice about buying a home.

Since the pandemic, home prices have skyrocketed. In early 2020, prices were much lower. But now, they're 55% higher. This price surge is making it tough for many to afford a home. A recent survey found that most people who wanted to buy a home in 2025 didn't succeed. Only 29% of those who hoped to buy actually did.

But the struggles don't end at the purchase. Owning a home comes with extra costs. Property taxes, insurance, and maintenance add up. On average, these hidden costs are nearly $16, 000 per year. That's a lot of extra money that many people aren't prepared for.

Many homeowners feel the pinch. About 34% say they're "house poor, " meaning most of their income goes toward housing expenses. Over 60% say owning a home is much more expensive than they thought it would be.

The government is trying to help. President Trump has proposed some policies to make homeownership more affordable. These include lowering mortgage rates and allowing people to use retirement savings for down payments. But some experts say these measures don't address the root of the problem: a lack of homes.

Home construction has not recovered enough since the financial crisis. This shortage is keeping prices high. The government has tried to boost supply by banning institutional investors from owning single-family homes. But this might not have a big impact nationwide.

Builders face their own challenges. High interest rates and increased costs for materials and labor make it hard to turn a profit. The government has suspended some tariffs on building materials to help. But local zoning and land use restrictions are a big obstacle.

Looking ahead to 2026, there's some hope for improvement. Mortgage rates are cheaper than a year ago, and wage increases are helping. But prices are still high. Even with some improvements, homeownership remains a struggle for many.

Homeownership: A Dream Delayed for Many

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