Real Estate Remains America’s Most Trusted Long-Term Investment—for the 14th Straight Year

Is it stocks? Gold? Bonds? Or a savings account?

When Americans are asked, “What do you think is the best long-term investment?” the most common answer has remained the same for 14 consecutive years: Real Estate.

Even with today's higher mortgage rates and home prices, many people are wondering whether now is still the right time to buy. Yet one thing has remained remarkably consistent: Americans continue to view real estate as the most reliable long-term investment.

A #1 Choice for 14 Straight Years

According to Gallup’s annual investment preference survey, real estate has ranked as Americans’ top long-term investment every year from 2013 through 2026, outperforming stocks, gold, savings accounts, and bonds.

This says something important.

While market conditions change from year to year, confidence in real estate as a long-term wealth-building asset has remained strong.

Why Does Real Estate Continue to Rank So Highly?

Unlike many other investments, real estate offers benefits beyond potential appreciation.

A home can:

• Provide a place to live

• Generate rental income

• Help build long-term equity

• Offer some protection against inflation over time

Another major advantage is leverage. Real estate is one of the few investments where buyers can use mortgage financing to purchase a valuable asset without paying the full purchase price upfront.

Long-Term Investing Is Different from Short-Term Timing

Home values don't rise every single year. Markets fluctuate, and some regions experience price corrections.

However, history has shown that U.S. real estate has generally appreciated over the long run.

That's why many housing experts view homeownership as a long-term financial strategy, not a short-term investment.

In today's market, buyers may also have opportunities that weren't available just a few years ago, including:

• More inventory to choose from

• Greater negotiating power

• Seller concessions and closing cost assistance

• More time to make informed decisions

  
  

Why This Still Matters Today

Although higher mortgage rates have caused some buyers to pause, many are still purchasing homes because of life changes—not because they're trying to perfectly time the market.

For first-time buyers especially, the better question often isn't:

"Is this the absolute bottom of the market?"

Instead, ask:

"Will this home still fit my needs and goals five or ten years from now?"

That perspective can make a much bigger difference over the long run.

It's About Purpose, Not Perfect Timing

Real estate is more than an investment.

It's where families build memories, create stability, and gradually build wealth over time.

That's one reason Americans have continued to rank it as their most trusted long-term investment for 14 consecutive years.

Markets will always change. Mortgage rates will rise and fall. Headlines will come and go.

But the principle remains the same:

Buying the right home at the right time for your personal situation is often more important than trying to perfectly predict the market.

If you're considering buying a home or investment property in Chicago or the surrounding Illinois suburbs, I'd be happy to help you evaluate today's market and develop a strategy based on your goals—not just the headlines.