In the past six years, the typical U.S. homeowner has accumulated more than $128,000 in housing wealth, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Yet, across Florida and the country, many young adults are asking: Does buying a home still make sense?
With higher housing costs, student debt, economic uncertainty and longer timelines to financial stability, their hesitation is understandable. As a result, the average first-time buyer is now 40 — up from the late 20s in the 1980s — and accounts for a record-low 21% of all purchases.
But homeownership continues to deliver long-term value in ways renting cannot. Mortgage payments build equity and offer predictability, turning a necessary monthly housing cost into a long-term asset that can support future goals and offer flexibility as life changes.
A recent 10-year analysis across hundreds of U.S. cities found that homeowners were projected to build more wealth than renters in most markets, even when renters invested their monthly savings in stocks. In Florida metros like Miami, St. Petersburg, Tampa and Orlando, where demand and rents have surged, the equity advantage appears even stronger.
"There are few investments that combine long-term financial growth with everyday stability the way homeownership does," said 2026 Florida Realtors® President Chuck Bonfiglio. "Building equity creates real wealth over time, while predictable housing costs give families the confidence they need to plan for their futures, save and put down roots."
Research has shown a single home purchase can influence more than just a household's finances. When homeowners settle down, they're more likely to get involved with and invest in their neighborhoods, local businesses and schools. Children also benefit from more consistent educational experiences.
None of this erases the challenges today's buyers face, but stepping back can carry its own costs. Delaying ownership often means missing years of equity growth while continuing to put money toward rent. In fact, the average homeowner has more than 40 times the net worth of the typical renter.
More than ever, entering the market requires careful planning and expert guidance. That's where Realtors® play a critical role, helping buyers understand local market conditions, evaluate their options and discover financing and assistance programs that can make ownership more attainable.
As Florida continues to attract new residents and businesses, expanding access to homeownership remains essential. "The question isn't whether homeownership is still valuable. It's how we help more Floridians prepare for it, with clear information, realistic expectations and policies that support attainability," said Bonfiglio.
"At the end of the day, return on investment is important, but homeownership has always been about more than that. It's about having a home — a place to make your own and to build your future."