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
Aug 07, 2026
Key Codes Bill Clears Senate Panel
On Aug. 6, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs advanced the NAHB-supported Promoting Resilient Buildings Act, legislation that would help communities maintain local control over building code adoption while encouraging stronger preparation for and recovery from extreme events.
Advocacy
Aug 07, 2026
NAHB’s Monthly Update Features Tariff and Economic Updates
Stay informed on the issues shaping the residential construction industry by reviewing the monthly update talking points. The latest edition features messages related to tariffs and the economy.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Aug 07, 2026
U.S. Labor Market Softens in July
The U.S. labor market weakened in July, with nonfarm payrolls down 23,000 and downward revisions cutting another 103,000 jobs from May and June.
Economics
Aug 06, 2026
Multifamily Developer Confidence Weakens in Second Quarter
Confidence in the market for new multifamily housing weakened year-over-year in the second quarter, according to the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The MMS produces two separate indices.
Economics
Aug 06, 2026
Mortgage Rates Climb Again as Iran Conflict Re-escalates
Re-escalation of the conflict in Iran pushed mortgage rates higher in July. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.54% in July, up 5 basis points (bps) over June. Since the conflict in the Middle East began, the 30-year mortgage rate has climbed by almost 50 bps.