Top Compromises Buyers Will Make to Reach Homeownership
High mortgage rates and double-digit growth in home prices since COVID-19 have brought housing affordability to its lowest level in more than a decade. Given this reality, a recent NAHB study on housing preferences asked home buyers about which specific compromises they would be willing to make to achieve homeownership.
The study found that:
- For 39% of buyers, accepting a smaller lot is the path to affording a home. This finding highlights the paramount importance of reforming zoning laws that mandate lot sizes, as nearly four out of 10 buyers would be willing to give up land in exchange for owning a home.
- For 36% of buyers, accepting fewer exterior amenities is the way to homeownership — they will simply add that deck or patio at some point in the future.
- Another 36% were willing to move farther from the urban core.
- And 35% will accept a smaller house if that’s what it takes to buy it.
Rose Quint, assistant vice president for survey research at NAHB, highlights which spaces prospective buyers are willing to shrink to achieve a smaller footprint in this Eye on Housing post.
Latest from NAHBNow
Advocacy
Jun 10, 2026
Over 1,100 Housing Advocates Call on Congress to Address AffordabilityMore than 1,100 builders, remodelers and other housing industry professionals went to Capitol Hill today to call for congressional action to improve affordability and help builders to increase the production of affordable, attainable homes.
Codes and Standards
Jun 09, 2026
Connecticut Moves Toward 6-Year Building Code Cycle in Possible TrendConnecticut Governor Ned Lamont has signed into law a bill that lays the groundwork to expand the state’s building code adoption cycle to every six years rather than the current three years.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Jun 10, 2026
Inflation Surpassed 4% in MayInflation accelerated to a new three-year high in May, driven by continued increases in energy costs from the Iran war. Energy costs drove more than 60% of the monthly increase, with national gasoline prices jumping more than a dollar since the war began.
Economics
Jun 10, 2026
Home Building Regulatory Cost Burdens Increased 40% from 2021 to 2026A new NAHB study shows that, on average, regulations imposed by government at all levels account for $131,734, or 26.4%, of the final price of a new single-family home built for sale. Of this amount, $46,795 is due to a higher price for the finished lot, attributable to regulations imposed during the lot’s development.
Economics
Jun 09, 2026
Existing Home Sales Increased in MayExisting home sales rose to a five-month high in May as more first-time buyers stepped back into the market. The share of first-time buyer reached 35% in May, the highest since June 2020. However, sales remained weak compared to historical norms, with still-tight inventory continued to push up home prices.