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

How Mortgage Lock-In Is Quietly Pushing Up House Prices

How Mortgage Lock-In Is Quietly Pushing Up House Prices

June 16, 20266 min read

A new paper co-authored by Wharton’s Lu Liu argues that homeowners stuck with low fixed mortgage rates aren’t just frozen in place — they’re propping up the housing market.

Does Q&A Boost Engagement?

Does Q&A Boost Engagement?

June 16, 20266 min read

When is friction a good thing? When it helps drive curiosity for more information, according to a Wharton study.

2026 Best Countries Index

2026 Best Countries Index

June 16, 202616 min read

The newly released 2026 Best Countries Index ranks 85 countries on 73 attributes across categories including entrepreneurship, openness for business, quality of life, power, and cultural influence.