Homeownership Unlikely to Be Overtaken by Renting in the US, Study Finds

At the 2011 Realtors Conference in Anaheim, Calif., Ken Johnson, editor of Florida International University’s Journal of Housing Research, said homeowners generally accumulate more wealth than renters. Johnson presented the findings of a study he co-authored with Eli Beracha that compares homeownership and renting in 23 metro areas over 31 years. They found that in 91 percent of the metro areas, renters came out ahead when reinvesting savings on a mortgage, maintenance, and down payment into rent. However, 84 percent of buyers were favored when renters spent those savings. Johnson called homeownership “a self imposed savings plan” and said those intending to stay put over the long term would benefit by buying — especially as home prices are at their most affordable level in three decades. “We believe that anyone who is able and willing to assume the responsibilities of owning a home should have the opportunity to pursue that dream,” said National Association of Realtors President Ron Phipps. | Read More