A new report from Coldwell Banker Real Estate shows homeownership is now a long-term family goal. The 2026 American Dream Report was released on October 28. It was conducted with The Harris Poll.
The report, based on a survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults, found that a significant majority, 82%, of parents with children under the age of 5 are either currently saving or have considered saving for their child’s future home down payment, highlighting the enduring value families place on homeownership despite current affordability challenges.
The survey’s findings show the deep-seated desire for homeownership among Americans, with 89% of respondents viewing buying a home as an admirable achievement, and 85% considering it part of the American Dream, unchanged from the previous year.
Among parents of young children, 14% have already begun saving for a future down payment, while 20% are saving for their child’s college education and 28% for their own retirement, demonstrating the prioritization of long-term financial goals.
A key savings objective for parents across all demographics is their child’s future down payment, cited by 56%, alongside saving for college, mentioned by 51%, and a first car, noted by 49%, indicating a broad commitment to supporting their children’s major life milestones.
Younger Generations Drive Down Payment Savings
Younger generations are at the forefront of this trend, with 85% of Gen Z and 82% of millennial parents either considering or already saving for their child’s down payment, compared to 70% of Gen X and 51% of baby boomer parents, showcasing a shift in financial planning strategies.
Coldwell Banker Affiliates President Mary Lee Blaylock observed that multigenerational planning is becoming increasingly evident in real estate transactions, with parents and children often collaborating on down payments and other aspects of the home-buying process.
“Coldwell Banker-affiliated agents are increasingly sitting down with buyers and their parents at the same table, mapping out down payments, timelines and what’s realistic in this market,” Blaylock said in the announcement. “For many families, buying a home has become a team effort that starts years before the first showing.”
Family Contributions Bridge Affordability Gaps
This collaborative approach to homeownership is reflected in the report’s findings, which show that family contributions are playing a significant role in bridging the affordability gap, albeit often with the expectation of repayment, highlighting the complex financial trends at play.
15% of homeowners have received financial assistance from family or friends for their down payment, rising to 26% among Gen Z homeowners, while 71% of those who received help expect to repay the funds, showing the prevalence of intra-family loans.
Half of all Americans, 51%, have either helped or considered helping a relative with a down payment, and 17% have used or plan to use a gift or loan from family or friends for their own down payment, with personal savings remaining the primary source of funding at 44%.
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The report also notes a growing trend of co-buying arrangements, with 7% of Americans purchasing homes with friends or non-romantic partners, up from 4% in the previous year, as buyers explore alternative strategies to overcome affordability barriers.
Lenders Adapt to New Ownership Models
These trends require lenders and real estate agents to adapt. They must manage gift-versus-loan documentation. Multiple borrowers and co-ownership structures are also key. This is especially true for first-time and younger buyers.
Despite the challenges posed by high interest rates and record prices, attitudes toward homeownership remain stable, with 85% of Americans viewing it as part of the American Dream and 84% seeing it as a marker of success, although perceptions of financial security tied to homeownership vary significantly across generations.
Among Americans, 64% equate buying a home with financial security, a sentiment that is notably stronger among Gen Z, where 73% associate homeownership with financial security, compared to 59% of baby boomers, highlighting shifting definitions of achievement among younger generations.
Financial Strain Leads to ‘House Poor’ Outcomes
The persistent desire for homeownership continues despite significant financial constraints, with 63% of Americans indicating that purchasing a home within the next year would leave them “house poor.” This financial pressure highlights the need for more structured guidance on budgeting, rate strategies, and product selection to help households achieve ownership goals.
Among younger adults who do not yet own homes, the desire to own is especially pronounced.
The top dream-home features prioritize practical, family-centered spaces over luxury amenities.
These findings reinforce ongoing demand for functional living spaces among builders, developers, and real estate professionals. Industry stakeholders are seeing consistent interest in practical designs that accommodate growing families rather than purely upscale amenities.
The report arrives amid ongoing affordability concerns and Federal Reserve rate policy discussions heading into the 2026 midterms. For practitioners, strategy development, family capital utilization, and financial education will play increasingly important roles in helping first-time buyers achieve homeownership goals.
The online survey was conducted September 8–10, 2026, among 2,060 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. Results carry a Bayesian credible interval of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points at the 95% confidence level, with wider intervals for subgroups.
