Homeowners Facing Rising Costs: A Survey Ahead of the Upcoming Midterms
In anticipation of the forthcoming midterm elections, a recent survey conducted by the financial technology firm Hometap sheds light on the alarming financial stress homeowners are experiencing. The survey, conducted from October 4 to 6, 2026, highlights that nearly two-thirds of homeowners reported feeling at least some level of financial strain due to the costs associated with homeownership. This sense of monetary pressure has increased from 55% in mid-2025 to 63% today, indicating a troubling trend in homeowner sentiment.
As Election Day approaches, 77% of homeowners indicated that a candidate’s promise to alleviate costs could influence their vote. However, concern looms larger, with only 26% believing that such promises can be fulfilled, while a staggering 71% anticipate that their financial burdens will continue rising regardless of electoral outcomes. The findings suggest a stark disconnect between hope and reality as many voters seek relief from economic pressures but remain skeptical about the ability of political candidates to provide tangible solutions.
Affordability is emerging as a cornerstone issue for this election cycle; however, political discussions predominantly focus on the difficulties of purchasing homes rather than the escalating costs associated with maintaining existing properties. Hometap’s CEO, Jeff Glass, highlights the discrepancy, stating that while affordable housing is crucial, many homeowners are more concerned about the financial strain of remaining in their homes.
Key factors contributing to this rising pressure include escalating property taxes, insurance premiums, and maintenance costs. As the costs of homeownership continue to ascend, many homeowners express doubt that the upcoming election will result in impactful change. Glass advocates for policymakers to address the broader issue of ongoing affordability, urging a reevaluation of options available to homeowners to help manage their financial situations.
Interestingly, taxes seem to be at the forefront of voting concerns, with 35% of respondents indicating that property tax measures are decisive in their election choices. Alarmingly, 75% of homeowners reported experiencing an increase in their property tax bills over the past two years. Yet, more than half (51%) admitted they were unaware of any property tax measures on their ballots, even though multiple states will see significant property tax decisions on November 3. States poised for these votes include Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Wyoming, revealing a critical gap in voter awareness that could shape election outcomes.
Despite the pressures prompting some homeowners to consider relocating, very few actually follow through with such plans. The survey revealed that while 46% of homeowners have thought about moving due to state policies, fewer than 2% have executed a move. For many, property tax legislation often feels abstract until the bill arrives, making the financial impact all the more immediate and personal.
Further illuminating the pressures of homeownership, the survey results show that younger homeowners, particularly Millennials, are feeling the heat more keenly than their older counterparts. A notable 77% of Millennials reported experiencing at least moderate stress related to homeownership costs compared to only 48% of Baby Boomers. This demographic divide underscores a generational disparity as financial anxieties manifest differently among age groups, with younger homeowners more likely to feel a lack of control over their rising expenses.
The repercussions of financial stress extend beyond mere budgeting; among the most stressed homeowners, an alarming 92% reported that this stress permeates various aspects of their daily lives, resulting in issues such as anxiety (57%), sleep disturbances (52%), and even postponed medical care (33%). Moreover, maintenance and repair costs have emerged as the second most debilitating financial strain for homeowners, surpassing mortgage payments and insurance premiums.
As homeowners continue to grapple with rising costs and political uncertainty, it is clear that the path forward requires both immediate relief measures and a long-term reevaluation of homeownership affordability. Hometap's commitment to providing innovative financial solutions for homeowners can play a pivotal role in alleviating these ongoing pressures, enabling families to better manage their financial realities while retaining the wealth accumulated in their homes. As the midterm elections loom, the voices of stressed homeowners should not only influence candidate platforms but also drive meaningful policy discussions that address the complex challenges associated with homeownership today.
For full survey results and more information on homeowner resources, visit Hometap’s blog at Hometap Blog. The survey was carried out by AYTM and included a diverse sample of 1,000 U.S. homeowners, ensuring a comprehensive representation of the current landscape of homeowner concerns.
As Election Day approaches, 77% of homeowners indicated that a candidate’s promise to alleviate costs could influence their vote. However, concern looms larger, with only 26% believing that such promises can be fulfilled, while a staggering 71% anticipate that their financial burdens will continue rising regardless of electoral outcomes. The findings suggest a stark disconnect between hope and reality as many voters seek relief from economic pressures but remain skeptical about the ability of political candidates to provide tangible solutions.
Affordability is emerging as a cornerstone issue for this election cycle; however, political discussions predominantly focus on the difficulties of purchasing homes rather than the escalating costs associated with maintaining existing properties. Hometap’s CEO, Jeff Glass, highlights the discrepancy, stating that while affordable housing is crucial, many homeowners are more concerned about the financial strain of remaining in their homes.
Key factors contributing to this rising pressure include escalating property taxes, insurance premiums, and maintenance costs. As the costs of homeownership continue to ascend, many homeowners express doubt that the upcoming election will result in impactful change. Glass advocates for policymakers to address the broader issue of ongoing affordability, urging a reevaluation of options available to homeowners to help manage their financial situations.
Interestingly, taxes seem to be at the forefront of voting concerns, with 35% of respondents indicating that property tax measures are decisive in their election choices. Alarmingly, 75% of homeowners reported experiencing an increase in their property tax bills over the past two years. Yet, more than half (51%) admitted they were unaware of any property tax measures on their ballots, even though multiple states will see significant property tax decisions on November 3. States poised for these votes include Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Wyoming, revealing a critical gap in voter awareness that could shape election outcomes.
Despite the pressures prompting some homeowners to consider relocating, very few actually follow through with such plans. The survey revealed that while 46% of homeowners have thought about moving due to state policies, fewer than 2% have executed a move. For many, property tax legislation often feels abstract until the bill arrives, making the financial impact all the more immediate and personal.
Further illuminating the pressures of homeownership, the survey results show that younger homeowners, particularly Millennials, are feeling the heat more keenly than their older counterparts. A notable 77% of Millennials reported experiencing at least moderate stress related to homeownership costs compared to only 48% of Baby Boomers. This demographic divide underscores a generational disparity as financial anxieties manifest differently among age groups, with younger homeowners more likely to feel a lack of control over their rising expenses.
The repercussions of financial stress extend beyond mere budgeting; among the most stressed homeowners, an alarming 92% reported that this stress permeates various aspects of their daily lives, resulting in issues such as anxiety (57%), sleep disturbances (52%), and even postponed medical care (33%). Moreover, maintenance and repair costs have emerged as the second most debilitating financial strain for homeowners, surpassing mortgage payments and insurance premiums.
As homeowners continue to grapple with rising costs and political uncertainty, it is clear that the path forward requires both immediate relief measures and a long-term reevaluation of homeownership affordability. Hometap's commitment to providing innovative financial solutions for homeowners can play a pivotal role in alleviating these ongoing pressures, enabling families to better manage their financial realities while retaining the wealth accumulated in their homes. As the midterm elections loom, the voices of stressed homeowners should not only influence candidate platforms but also drive meaningful policy discussions that address the complex challenges associated with homeownership today.
For full survey results and more information on homeowner resources, visit Hometap’s blog at Hometap Blog. The survey was carried out by AYTM and included a diverse sample of 1,000 U.S. homeowners, ensuring a comprehensive representation of the current landscape of homeowner concerns.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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