One of the biggest and most reputable homebuilders in the U.S., KB Home, has released the results of its second annual survey, which it carried out to find out how Americans feel about homeownership and to encourage their desire to purchase a home.
According to recently released data, an estimated 83% of Americans still consider homeownership to be a significant milestone, but some 89% of them are worried about cost and the homebuying process.
The month of June is National Homeownership Month, a time to honor the value of homeownership and the opportunities it may bring to both people and families. In celebration of the milestone, KB Home is disseminating survey results and holding Homebuying 101 events nationwide with the goal of empowering more individuals to feel knowledgeable and in control of their homebuying process.
In the study, experts from KB Home discuss subjects like the advantages of new construction, the advantages of owning a house as opposed to renting, and how to handle the homebuying process, including financing a new home, during two free in-person workshops.
“This year’s survey shows that the dream of owning a home is still very real, even if many people are unsure how to get there,” said Rob McGibney, President and Chief Operating Officer of KB Home. “At KB Home, we’re helping to bridge that gap by offering new, high-quality homes that are affordably priced and personalized to fit each buyer’s lifestyle. These are the things Americans tell us they value most, and delivering on them is part of our commitment to making homeownership more attainable for more people.”
Americans Reveal What’s Important, Still Wanting to Purchase Amid High Costs
The Harris Poll conducted the nationwide survey in April 2025, and here’s what Americans said:
- The overwhelming majority (83%) of survey respondents believed that being a home owner was a crucial life milestone. This view hasn’t changed since 2024.
- The top three positive emotions people identified with homebuying were motivation (28%), pride (43%), and enthusiasm (47%).
- Safety and security (47%), more living space (47%), access to a backyard or outdoor space (43%), avoiding rent increases and other fees (42%), and long-term financial improvement (41%), were among the top reasons for wanting to buy a home.
- Nearly four out of five Americans stated that they would not be willing to give up any of the following if they had a set budget and had to choose between them: a modern floor plan (83%) a limited house warranty (87%), cheaper energy and water utility bills (86%), or the chance to customize their home (78%).
- In order to purchase a property of their choice, the majority of buyers (74%) were prepared to give up certain aspects of their lifestyle, such as dining out less or staying at home with their parents for a longer period of time.
Understanding When & How to Purchase is Just as Important as Affordability
The majority (89%) expressed concerns about purchasing a property, and current renters (93%), this percentage was significantly greater. Approximately 25% of Americans say that their top three unfavorable feelings after making a purchase are anxiety (27%), followed by stress (24%).
Americans were most concerned about their ability to finance a home (44%), taking on further debt (41%), and purchasing a money pit that requires repairs or upgrades (30%) when asked what caused them to feel uneasy about purchasing a property. Further, more than a quarter (28%) were unsure if this was the right moment to buy, and 23% were worried about having buyer’s remorse and settling for a house they didn’t absolutely love.
Americans revealed their top reasons when it came to financial anxieties:
- Getting the best mortgage rate (42%)
- Being able to make monthly payments (42%)
- Understanding how much they can afford (43%)
- Having enough money for a down payment (45%)
Additionally, more than half (54%) of respondents thought that compared to potential homebuyers from previous generations, they were in a poorer position to purchase a home now. Higher property costs (46%), high mortgage rates (38%), and unpredictable economic situations (36%), according to respondents, are the top three issues that modern homebuyers encounter that their parents’ generation did not have to deal with.
“At KB Home, helping our customers achieve their lifelong dream of buying a home—the largest purchase many people ever make—is a privilege that we take seriously,” McGibney said.
However, experts reveal how crucial the need for the proper education is for buyers. Approximately 70% of adults either thought mortgage rates were at an all-time high or were unsure. In actuality, the 30-year fixed rate peaked in 1981 at 18.6%, which is significantly higher than it is today, marking the peak of mortgage rates. Compared to the average rate of 7.7% over the last 50 years, the current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 6.8% is lower.
Terms like APR (44%) and PMI (49%), for example, were unfamiliar to or unclear to over half of respondents. Less than two out of five people were aware of some important facts concerning house financing, such as the fact that a 20% down payment is not necessary (37% correct) and that a person may get a mortgage with a credit score in the 500s (25% correct).
When it comes to the homebuying process, around 25% of Gen Zers and 23% of millennials reported feeling apprehensive about not knowing where to begin. Approximately one in five millennials (18%) and Gen Zers (20%) reported feeling nervous when they couldn’t find a reliable source for homebuying help.
“Whether it’s selecting the perfect floor plan, understanding financing options or choosing design features, our goal is to guide buyers through the journey with confidence,” McGibney said. “This year’s survey reinforces just how important that support is, especially when so many are feeling uncertain about the homebuying process.”
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