Generational success: 6 in 10 think they’ll build enough wealth to pass to their kids – Study Finds

NEW YORK Six in 10 Americans believe they can build generational wealth.A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, half of whom are homeowners, finds that 63 percent are confident they can accumulate property, investments, or other things with monetary value that they can pass down to the next generation.

Of those respondents, nearly three-quarters (74%) believe theyve already built generational wealth. However, homeownership isnt the only way to do so: more people who live with their parents or family and dont pay rent (83%) and renters (75%) feel they have already built generational wealth in comparison to homeowners (72%).

So, whats the most popular wealth-generating tool among homeowners? Making improvements to increase the value of a home (26%) tops the list. In comparison, 38 percent of those who dont own a home and currently live in student housing are turning to extreme savings and investment programs like Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE), or subletting part of their primary residence (38%).

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of HomeLight, the survey also looked into other avenues for generational wealth building, including peoples plans to fund continuing education and business ventures.

To help with tuition expenses, 30 percent will take out a traditional loan through their bank or credit card. Those who live rent-free with their parents are more likely than homeowners to cash in their investments (36% vs. 23%), take out a traditional loan (41% vs. 24%), and use money theyve already saved (36% vs. 22%). People who plan to start a business in the next three to five years will take out a traditional loan (34%) or invest their savings (30%) in it.

Respondents also shared how they plan to finance upsizing their home or apartment. Despite the volatility of todays market, more than a third (34%) plan to upsize in the next three to five years, helping pay for it by cashing in investments (46%), taking out a loan (45%), and using money theyve saved up (45%).

Overall, the study proves that privilege pays off, and that those with access to family support and the foundation of generational wealth are already on the path toward accruing wealth. The survey shows that 77 percent of people currently living with family plan to inherit a home. Compared to homeowners, those who live with family without paying rent were also more likely to inherit a larger home to live in (46% vs. 33%) and borrow money from family or friends to afford their own home (42% vs. 28%).

The most expensive regions in the U.S. the Northeast and the West report the lowest homeownership rates, yet the highest numbers of those planning to inherit a home, at 63 percent and 57 percent, respectively. Overall, about two-thirds (64%) of millennials expect to inherit a home.

Despite changes in the market, homeownership continues to be one of the most surefire ways to build generational wealth in the U.S. Home equity surged to a record $27.8 trillion in Q1, but rising interest rates and costs of living have started to curb demand for home buying, says Vanessa Famulener, President of HomeLight Homes, in a statement. Those who have built up equity in their homes can take advantage of numerous tax, repayment, and interest rate benefits that home equity lending offers homeowners especially to help bring costs down for value-add home improvements.

One in three homeowners have plans to sell their current home, more than those who plan to live in it until they pass it down to their kids (20%). Fifty-seven percent are confident in their understanding of todays housing market, including more millennials than baby boomers (60% vs. 49%) and 47 percent of people 77 and older.

However, less than half (45%) are confident theyll sell their home at its highest value, with those in the West feeling the least confident (33%).

Beyond renovations, home equity loans and lines of credit offer an alternative to high-interest credit cards and personal loans for borrowers, but if youre reinvesting your homes equity in something else, its important to consider the collateral risk, Famulener adds. Investment properties are popular among those with equity in their homes one in five homeowners said they would use a home equity loan or line of credit on their primary home to invest in a single-family residence to rent out.

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Generational success: 6 in 10 think they'll build enough wealth to pass to their kids - Study Finds