Nearly one-third of U.S. renters consider housing affordability a top-three issue when deciding which candidate to support in the 2024 presidential election. According to a recent survey by Redfin, this sentiment contrasts with homeowners, who are less likely to prioritize this issue.
The survey, conducted by Ipsos in September 2024 among 1,802 adults, highlighted how renters, at 31.6%, significantly outpaced homeowners (17.1%) in ranking housing affordability as a primary concern. Among voters supporting Kamala Harris, 25.1% listed housing affordability as a key issue, compared to 20.4% of Donald Trump voters. The survey also found that over half of homeowners feel financially better off compared to four years ago, a result of rising home equity, while less than half of renters share that optimism.
Additionally, the survey reported that nearly one-quarter of first-time homebuyers are delaying purchases until after the election, with 26.1% hoping Harris’ proposed downpayment assistance plan is implemented. In contrast, 15.9% are waiting to see how Trump’s approach to affordable housing unfolds.
Homeowners showed a preference for Trump regarding the future of home values, with 41.6% believing he is the best candidate for maintaining high property values, while 35.3% favored Harris.