Home ownership rates in the U.S. stood at 63.4% in the second quarter of 2015, continuing a downward trend in the sector over the last year or so. But more importantly, the rate of home ownership is getting close to historic lows. The second quarter rate is the lowest since 1967. And with a continuing tight market for mortgages, it doesn’t appear that the home ownership rate will resurge in the near future.

Wharton adjunct real estate professor Sam Chandan and David Hansel, president of Alpha Funding Solutions, a private and direct asset-based lender, recently appeared on the Knowledge at Wharton radio show to discuss trends in the U.S. home ownership and rental markets. The Knowledge at Wharton show airs 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Eastern time Monday-Friday on Wharton Business Radio on SiriusXM channel 111.

Comments

New This Week

Who Controls a Company’s Values After It Is Sold?
Podcast

Who Controls a Company’s Values After It Is Sold?

October 9, 2026 • 12 min listen

Maurice Schweitzer, Wharton professor of operations, information and decisions, examines the Ben & Jerry’s legal battle and the challenges of preserving a company’s social mission under new ownership.

How Lucky Strike Entertainment Is Betting on Screen-Free Experiences
Podcast

How Lucky Strike Entertainment Is Betting on Screen-Free Experiences

October 8, 2026 • 32 min listen

Julie Zukof, vice president of brand at Lucky Strike Entertainment, explains how nostalgia, community, and experiential design are bringing a new generation back to the bowling center.

Why People Would Rather Give Nothing Than Too Little

Why People Would Rather Give Nothing Than Too Little

October 8, 2026 • 4 min read

New research from Wharton shows that overcoming the fear of an inadequate donation can dramatically increase giving.