The U.S. homeownership rate jumped by 2.6% in the second quarter of 2020, the largest quarterly increase on record, bringing it to a level last seen in 2008. Part of this unexpected increase may be due to a change in the survey process because of the coronavirus, as well as a drop in the number of rental units as renters moved in with family or took on roommates. However, many renters bought homes, spurred by low mortgage rates.
Homeownership increased across all age groups, but the biggest jump was among those under age 35, whose 40.6% rate was the highest in almost 12 years. Americans age 65 and older have the highest rate of
homeownership at 80.4%.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020; Bloomberg, July 28, 2020; MarketWatch, July 29, 2020
