A brand new KeyBank ballot finds 1 in 4 Individuals say homeownership is out of attain as housing prices and monetary pressures proceed to rise.
Roughly one in 4 Individuals say homeownership feels out of attain at present, at the same time as most report actively adjusting their funds to deal with ongoing monetary stress, according to a new survey from KeyBank.
The bank’s 2026 Financial Mobility Pulse Poll — carried out by Schmidt Market Analysis in January — surveyed 1,000 Individuals ages 18 to 70 who’ve a checking or financial savings account and play not less than some position in family monetary choices. The examine explores how shoppers are navigating spending, saving, debt, monetary confidence and financial stress.
Simply 13 p.c of Individuals consider homeownership is attainable for them in 2026, in accordance with the ballot. The findings, launched Monday, coincide with the Nationwide Affiliation of Realtors’ Fair Housing Monthunderscoring ongoing issues about entry and affordability within the housing market.
“The monetary pressures folks face at present are actual and widespread throughout the monetary spectrum,” Dan Brown, government vp and director of shopper product administration for KeyBank, mentioned in a press release. “What stands out, although, is that Individuals aren’t ready for circumstances to enhance. They’re being proactive and resourceful in response to those pressures.”
Value-of-living stress intensifies
Detrimental sentiment towards the financial system ticked as much as 28 p.c in 2026, from 26 p.c a yr earlier, the ballot discovered. However the underlying issues shifted notably.
Housing prices surged as a prime monetary stress, cited by 44 p.c of respondents, up from 35 p.c in 2025, whereas concern over healthcare bills rose to 30 p.c from 22 p.c. Grocery costs remained probably the most widespread fear, climbing to 58 p.c from 55 p.c.
Some macro-related anxieties eased barely. Concern about elements reminiscent of tariffs, inflation and interest rates edged right down to 23 p.c from 24 p.c, whereas bank card debt declined extra meaningfully as a prime concern, falling to 21 p.c from 26 p.c.
Even 6-figure earners really feel the squeeze
The ballot discovered that monetary trade-offs have change into a day by day actuality for a lot of households. One in three Individuals (33 p.c) reviews making monetary compromises each day, whereas one other 31 p.c accomplish that weekly. Notably, the pattern spans revenue brackets, with 26 p.c of households incomes $100,000 or extra yearly additionally reporting day by day trade-offs.
Customers are adjusting in numerous methods. Almost six in 10 respondents (59 p.c) mentioned they’ve switched to lower-cost manufacturers or providers, up from 49 p.c in 2025. Greater than half (51 p.c) have in the reduction of on subscriptions or memberships, a pointy rise from 41 p.c a yr in the past.
In the meantime, 35 p.c reported taking over aspect work or extra hours to remain financially afloat, up from 30 p.c. In complete, 88 p.c of Individuals mentioned they’ve made not less than one significant monetary adjustment.
KeyBank’s 2026 Monetary Mobility Pulse Ballot was carried out on-line by Schmidt Market Analysis in January 2026 and surveyed 1,000 Individuals between the ages of 18 and 70.
Small strikes now could make shopping for doable later
Whereas affordability stays a problem, KeyBank mentioned there are nonetheless sensible steps Individuals can take — each instantly and over time — to maneuver nearer to homeownership.
Based on KeyBank, the primary is gaining a transparent understanding of their monetary place, together with credit score rating, debt-to-income ratio and financial savings, which collectively type the inspiration of any homebuying plan.
From there, potential consumers can discover down payment assistance programs supplied by states, native governments and lenders, a lot of which offer grants, credit or low down cost choices that may considerably scale back upfront prices.
It may also be useful to attach with a banker effectively earlier than being able to buy. Beginning that dialog 12 to 18 months upfront can assist consumers construct a roadmap round credit score enchancment, financial savings methods and lifelike timelines, with ongoing check-ins as their monetary image evolves.
Lastly, KeyBank suggests reframing expectations round timing. For a lot of households, homeownership is not a direct milestone however a longer-term purpose, the place regular progress issues greater than velocity.
