Struggling Renters Want to Own, But Will Remain Tenants for Years

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According to recent Freddie Mac consumer survey data, the majority of U.S. renters who are struggling financially plan to remain renters for the next three years.

However, the recent financial crisis did not tarnish renters' dreams of homeownership with 91% of them viewing homeownership as something of which to be proud.

"It's no secret that for the last several years, consumers have felt more strapped financially, particularly renters," said David Brickman, executive vice president of Freddie Mac Multifamily. "Many renters are not buying homes because of a perceived lack of ability to afford the down payment or mortgage and poor credit history. But there also is a segment of renters who simply do not want the responsibilities of owning a home."

Freddie Mac commissioned Harris Poll to survey more than 2,000 U.S. adults online in August 2014 to get their perceptions about renting in the post financial crisis marketplace. A presentation on the research results is available here.

Freddie Mac Highlights

• The majority of renters say they tend to live paycheck to paycheck. 45% of renters say they have just enough money to get by, and 17% say they do not have enough money for basics, like food and housing until the next payday. In comparison, only 38% of homeowners indicate a similar financial hardship.

• 61% of renters believe they will continue to rent in the next three years, despite 91% of them viewing homeownership as something of which to be proud. While 39% of all renters say they expect to purchase a home in the next three years, the remainder plan to continue to rent. Those most likely to buy a home in the next three years are from ages 25-44.

• Younger adults are more inclined toward buying a home than older ones. For example, 47% of renters aged 25-34 and 58% of renters aged 35-44 responded that they will purchase a home in three years, compared to 27% for people age 45-64. In addition, if a renter hasn't owned a home by age 45, then chances are they will continue to rent throughout their lifetime.

• According to renters, the top three favorable factors about renting are:
  • Provides freedom from home maintenance responsibilities (78% strongly or somewhat agreed);
  • Allows more flexibility over where you live (68% strongly or somewhat agreed); and
  • Protects against home price declines (66% strongly or somewhat agreed).

• According to renters, the top three favorable factors about homeownership are:
  • Something of which to be proud (91% strongly or somewhat agreed);
  • Can be passed on to your children (90% strongly or somewhat agreed); and
  • Allows more flexibility to design it the way you want (89% strongly or somewhat agreed).