What 1,000 Americans Really Think About Long-Term Homeownership

In a new survey we conducted with 1,000 Americans, long-term homeownership revealed a mix of optimism, practicality, and growing concern. Our research found that while extended mortgage terms like 30 to 50 years may offer financial flexibility, they also raise questions about maintenance, livability, and comfort over time.

Our collected data indicates that homeowners are planning beyond the initial mortgage and focusing on the long-term viability of their homes. This includes an emphasis on structural repairs, material durability, accessibility, and the eventual need for major updates and replacements in key areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Survey insights show that this generation of homeowners intends not just to purchase a home, but to remain in it and customize it to suit their long-term needs.

Key Findings:

• 55% of seniors say if they lived in a home for 30–50 years, they would be very likely to make mobility and accessibility updates
• 29% say with 40–50-year mortgage terms, the biggest concern would be affording structural or foundation repairs
• 52% of homeowners are more concerned about home remodeling and replacement costs than the mortgage itself
• 30% of homeowners say an outdated tub/shower is the hardest thing to live with in an older home
• 37% say updating worn or aging materials is most necessary for long-term livability
• 26% of Gen Z say worn or outdated fixtures are the hardest thing to live with in an older home
• 36% of homeowners believe the kitchen offers the greatest return in comfort after decades of use

Planning for the Future: 55% of Parents Prioritize Accessibility in Long-Term Homes

As homeowners imagine staying in their homes for 30 to 50 years, many are already thinking about how those spaces will need to evolve with them. From our internal study, 55% of seniors said they would be very likely to make mobility or accessibility updates if they were in their homes long-term.

This approach reflects growing awareness of aging-in-place design, not just for homeowners themselves, but for aging relatives and future-proofing for their children. Whether it’s wider doorways, step-free entries, or accessible bathrooms, these updates point to a broader shift toward adaptable, inclusive living environments.

Longer Mortgages, Deeper Worries: 29% Concerned About Structural Repairs in 40–50-Year Terms

In our recent survey of 1,000 Americans, nearly one in three respondents—29%—shared a critical concern when it comes to ultra-long mortgage terms: the potential burden of structural or foundation repairs over time.

As 40–50-year mortgages gain traction as a tool to improve housing affordability, our findings suggest that while extended terms may ease monthly payments, they also introduce long-range responsibilities, especially as homes age. When a home shifts or settles, window and door frames can become uneven, leading to mechanical failure. This necessitates replacing windows and doors for the affected homeowners.

This level of foresight may reflect a more proactive generation of homeowners, thinking not just about buying, but about maintaining the safety, stability, and value of their investment for decades to come.

More Than the Mortgage: 52% of Homeowners Say Maintenance Costs Are Their Top Worry

Expanding on concerns around structural integrity, our research reveals another trend: 52% of current homeowners say they’re more worried about long-term maintenance costs than their mortgage payments.

With deteriorating roofs, outdated plumbing, and the rising cost of labor and materials, homeowners no longer view upkeep as incidental.  This shift in mindset points to a deeper understanding of what it really means to own a home over time.

For many Americans, the true cost of homeownership lies not in monthly payments, but in the increasing price of preserving the property itself.

The Bathroom Barrier: 30% Say Outdated Tubs and Showers Are the Toughest Part of Older Homes

While structural and financial concerns are top priorities, comfort-related challenges remain significant, particularly in older homes. In our recent survey, 30% of homeowners said that outdated tubs or showers are the hardest features to live with.

This response stood out among a wide range of cosmetic and functional complaints. Many respondents cited daily inconvenience, limited functionality, and the high cost of renovation as reasons bathroom upgrades often become a top priority.

Material Matters: 37% Say Replacing Worn Finishes Is Key to Long-Term Livability

Beyond structure and accessibility, the condition of everyday surfaces plays a major role in how livable a home feels over time. According to our analysis, 37% of homeowners said that replacing worn or aging materials such as flooring, countertops, kitchen cabinets, or wall finishes is the most necessary improvement for long-term comfort.

These high-touch elements may not always pose safety risks, but they affect how a home functions and feels. Scuffed floors, cabinets and outdated finishes can erode a home’s sense of warmth and usability.

Gen Z’s Design Dilemma: 26% Say Outdated Fixtures Are the Toughest Part of Older Homes

Generational preferences are also shaping how people experience long-term homeownership. From our research, 26% of Gen Z respondents said that worn or outdated fixtures are the most difficult aspect of living in an older home.

While structural and financial concerns remain relevant, younger homeowners are particularly sensitive to the aesthetic and functional details that define a home’s character. For many in this generation, fixtures reflect personal taste and modern living standards.

As Gen Z enters the housing market, these preferences are influencing renovation choices. Even when large-scale remodels aren’t possible, smaller upgrades can help personalize a space and make an older home feel more modern and comfortable.

The Heart of the Home Endures: 36% Say Kitchens Deliver the Greatest Long-Term Comfort

Looking ahead, one space continues to offer long-term value in both function and comfort: the kitchen. According to our findings, 36% of homeowners believe that the kitchen delivers the greatest return in comfort after decades of use.

The kitchen is a meaningful investment for homeowners, consistently viewed as the central space for family life, daily routines, and shared experiences, even as appliances and layouts change. This belief goes beyond mere efficiency. For this reason, upgrades like cabinet refacing, pantry improvements, and new windows to increase natural light are effective, cost-efficient alternatives to a complete kitchen renovation. Together, these updates help keep the space organized, bright, and comfortable for everyday use and gathering.

As homeownership stretches across decades, our analysis shows that the kitchen remains one of the most valued spaces in the home.

Summary

Our findings paint a hopeful picture of homeownership that’s grounded in both realism and care. From our study, it’s clear that Americans aren’t just planning for where they’ll live—they’re thoughtfully shaping how they’ll live, years and even decades down the line.

Whether it’s updating a bathroom, modernizing fixtures, or reimagining a kitchen that brings people together, homeowners are prioritizing comfort, functionality, and future needs in equal measure.

According to our assessment, this shift reflects more than changing preferences; it reflects a deeper commitment to building homes that grow with us, support our lives, and remain a source of pride and comfort for generations to come.

Methodology

This report is based on a proprietary survey conducted in December 2025, in which we polled 1,000 Americans across a diverse range of ages, regions, and homeownership statuses. The survey was designed to explore long-term attitudes toward homeownership, affordability, maintenance, and livability. These findings reflect fresh insights into how U.S. homeowners and prospective buyers are thinking about housing in an era of extended mortgage terms and evolving lifestyle needs. This data represents a unique snapshot of consumer sentiment at the close of 2025, offering a timely perspective on a rapidly shifting housing landscape.

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