Roughly one in four Americans say homeownership feels out of reach today, even as most report actively adjusting their finances to cope with ongoing financial pressure, according to a new survey from KeyBank.
The bank’s 2026 Financial Mobility Pulse Poll — conducted by Schmidt Market Research in January — surveyed 1,000 Americans ages 18 to 70 who have a checking or savings account and play at least some role in household financial decisions. The study explores how consumers are navigating spending, saving, debt, financial confidence and economic stress.
Just 13 percent of Americans believe homeownership is attainable for them in 2026, according to the poll. The findings, released Monday, coincide with the National Association of Realtors’ Fair Housing Month, underscoring ongoing concerns about access and affordability in the housing market.
“The financial pressures people face today are real and widespread across the financial spectrum,” Dan Brown, executive vice president and director of consumer product management for KeyBank, said in a statement. “What stands out, though, is that Americans aren’t waiting for conditions to improve. They’re being proactive and resourceful in response to these pressures.”
Cost-of-living stress intensifies
Negative sentiment toward the economy ticked up to 28 percent in 2026, from 26 percent a year earlier, the poll found. But the underlying concerns shifted notably.
Housing costs surged as a top financial pressure, cited by 44 percent of respondents, up from 35 percent in 2025, while concern over healthcare expenses rose to 30 percent from 22 percent. Grocery prices remained the most widespread worry, climbing to 58 percent from 55 percent.
Some macro-related anxieties eased slightly. Concern about factors such as tariffs, inflation and interest rates edged down to 23 percent from 24 percent, while credit card debt declined more meaningfully as a top concern, falling to 21 percent from 26 percent.
Even 6-figure earners feel the squeeze
The poll found that financial trade-offs have become a daily reality for many households. One in three Americans (33 percent) reports making financial compromises every day, while another 31 percent do so weekly. Notably, the trend spans income brackets, with 26 percent of households earning $100,000 or more annually also reporting daily trade-offs.
Consumers are adjusting in various ways. Nearly six in 10 respondents (59 percent) said they’ve switched to lower-cost brands or services, up from 49 percent in 2025. More than half (51 percent) have cut back on subscriptions or memberships, a sharp rise from 41 percent a year ago.
Meanwhile, 35 percent reported taking on side work or additional hours to stay financially afloat, up from 30 percent. In total, 88 percent of Americans said they’ve made at least one meaningful financial adjustment.
KeyBank’s 2026 Financial Mobility Pulse Poll was conducted online by Schmidt Market Research in January 2026 and surveyed 1,000 Americans between the ages of 18 and 70.
Small moves now can make buying possible later
While affordability remains a challenge, KeyBank said there are still practical steps Americans can take — both immediately and over time — to move closer to homeownership.
According to KeyBank, the first is gaining a clear understanding of their financial position, including credit score, debt-to-income ratio and savings, which together form the foundation of any homebuying plan.
From there, prospective buyers can explore down payment assistance programs offered by states, local governments and lenders, many of which provide grants, credits or low down payment options that can significantly reduce upfront costs.
It can also be beneficial to connect with a banker well before being ready to purchase. Starting that conversation 12 to 18 months in advance can help buyers build a roadmap around credit improvement, savings strategies and realistic timelines, with ongoing check-ins as their financial picture evolves.
Finally, KeyBank suggests reframing expectations around timing. For many households, homeownership is no longer an immediate milestone but a longer-term goal, where steady progress matters more than speed.
