Real Estate Consumer Insights Report Proves the American Dream of Homeownership is Changing

Mynd shines a light on shifting attitudes toward homeownership, property management, and generational differences in real estate investing


OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 11, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mynd, the company revolutionizing real estate investing, today announced the results of its 2022 Consumer Insights Report, which examines Americans’ perspectives on and attitudes toward real estate investing, homeownership, renting, and the current state of the economy. The report is based on findings from a survey of 1,018 U.S. adults conducted by Mynd in collaboration with research firm Big Village. Key findings include:

Younger generations are reimagining the relationship between homeownership and the ‘American dream’
Despite an increasingly complex housing market, a significant majority (78%) of respondents still associate homeownership with achieving the “American dream,” and 65% of respondents see homeownership as a means of building intergenerational wealth.

However, the way people perceive homeownership is changing. Younger generations are buying investment properties before, or instead of, a primary residence — often decoupling where they choose to live from where they choose to invest. In fact, almost one-fifth (19%) of people who own an investment property choose to rent their primary residence, and 72% of all respondents (both property owners and renters) would consider buying a property in a different city or state than where they live.

“While the economy is in flux, single-family real estate remains a desirable asset class for long-term, sustainable wealth creation,” said Doug Brien, co-founder and CEO of Mynd. “It’s no wonder that during this economic inflection point, many folks are looking for ways to future-proof themselves. Whether that means purchasing and living in your primary home or investing in property remotely, Mynd has created a whole new world of opportunity for a generation that demands flexibility and innovation.”

Millennials and Gen Z have a strong urge to invest in property
Almost half of Millennials and Gen Z (43%) are considering buying an investment property compared to only 9% of Baby Boomers and 27% of Gen X. Moreover, about two-thirds of Millennials and Gen Z (68%) agree that investing in real estate is a smart financial decision.

However, younger generations aren’t blind to the challenges that can come with property ownership. Among Millennials and Gen Z who already invest, the top concerns are repairs and maintenance, property damage, and extended periods of vacancy. Over half (55%) of Millennial and Gen Z investors say that it’s been difficult to find renters for their property, and almost a third (32%) say that one of their biggest concerns this year, at a moment of spiking rents and high inflation, is that residents won’t be able to pay rent.

A worrying gap in perceptions on tenants’ health and safety
Additionally, the report found a striking difference between the expectations of renters and property owners. Only 47% of renters believe that the property owner or property manager of their home cares about their health and safety. Yet, 91% of self-managing owners say they care about their residents’ health and safety, and 95% believe that they are providing their residents with a safe and secure home.

“When it comes to showing a commitment to renters’ well-being, even the most well-intentioned property owners seem to be missing the mark,” said Doug Brien, co-founder and CEO of Mynd. “In the coming years, there’s a major opportunity for a new generation of SFR investors to close this gap and provide families with safe, happy homes — while also building long-term wealth.”

To learn more about how Americans tie their sense of identity, security, and wealth to homeownership in 2022, check out the full Mynd Consumer Insights Report here.

Report Methodology
In August 2022, Mynd engaged research firm Big Village to conduct an omnibus survey among 1,018 U.S.-based adults aged 18 years and older who rent or own their home. Data analysis was performed by Big Village and Mynd.

About Mynd
Mynd is a tech-enabled real estate company serving the $85B+ property management and real estate investment market. Powered by a proprietary, all-in-one digital platform and local listing and property management experts, Mynd simplifies the entire investment journey for both first-time and veteran investors, allowing more Americans access to the single-family residential sector as a way to build intergenerational wealth.

With operations in 25+ markets across the U.S., Mynd removes the time, communication, and geographic barriers traditionally associated with buying real estate.

With Mynd, investors can confidently find, purchase, finance, insure, lease, manage, and sell single-family rental properties, 100 percent remotely.

Founded in 2016, Mynd is backed by top VCs, including Lightspeed, Canaan, Jackson Square, and QED, and recently announced a $5 billion deal with Invesco Real Estate, making Mynd the largest buyer of single-family rental homes in the country.

Media Contacts:
Ally Basak, ally.basak@mynd.co

LaunchSquad, mynd@launchsquad.com