Households View Housing as a Good Investment Versus Stocks
A recent study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that most households view housing as a good investment in comparison to the stock market.
When asked to choose between investing in a rental property or the overall stock market, more than 50% of the households recommended housing in all three administrations of the New York Fed survey, which was run in February 2020 (largely before the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States), October 2020 and February 2021.
Another question asks whether a young couple should buy a primary residence or invest in the stock market and the preference for housing is much stronger in this response with more than 90% of the survey respondents choosing to buy a home.
In selecting housing as a better investment over the stock market, most survey respondents cited “desired living environment and provides stability,” “housing prices less volatile,” and higher house prices as their primary reasons. Fewer respondents selected any of the other reasons, including for example, saving from rent, stability, locking in housing costs, and the amortization schedule as a commitment device for saving.
Latest from NAHBNow
Advocacy
Oct 02, 2026
Stay on Message: Access NAHBs Latest Housing Talking Points
The monthly update provides talking points to help members stay informed with clear and consistent messages on issues affecting the residential construction industry.
Fall Leadership Meeting
Oct 02, 2026
Watch Livestreams of Key Fall Leadership Meetings
NAHB leadership will gather Oct. 6-8 for the 2026 Fall Leadership Meeting in Detroit. Members and HBA staff not in attendance can view livestreams of the key meetings.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Oct 02, 2026
U.S. Economy Adds 29,000 Jobs in September as Prior Months Are Revised Down
The U.S. labor market cooled in September, with nonfarm payroll employment increasing by just 29,000 as downward revisions erased most of August’s previously reported strength. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.2%, as both employment and the labor force continued to grow.
Economics
Oct 01, 2026
Private Residential Construction Spending Posts Broad-Based Gains in August
Private residential construction spending rose in August 2026 following a series of declines during the second quarter of the year. According to the latest construction spending data from the U.S. Census Bureau, private residential construction spending came in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $882.3 billion in August, up 1.1% from July but down 4.8% from a year ago.
Economics
Oct 01, 2026
AI Exposure Remains Relatively Low Across Most Construction Occupations
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how work gets done, but its impact varies considerably across occupations. For most construction occupations, near-term exposure to AI remains relatively low.