Interesting shift in the homebuying landscape: a recent national survey found that 60% of Americans would rather own half a home with someone else now than wait out the rental cycle for solo ownership. It's not hard to see why—94% pointed to affordability as the main motivator, whether that's sharing monthly payments, splitting the down payment, or simply being able to get into a better home together. Family is still the most common co-buying partner (68% would buy with relatives), but it’s younger and lower-income buyers who are most likely to consider teaming up with friends.
What stood out to me is how much thought folks are putting into these partnerships: nearly every prospective co-buyer wants a written agreement covering exit and payment terms. And as non-traditional down payment sources hit 29%, there's clearly a need for mortgage guidance that goes beyond the basics—a space I've spent three decades navigating, especially for those whose financial paths don’t follow the standard script. Co-buying is more than a financial decision: 61% see it as serious as marriage, and half believe it could help prevent loneliness later in life. The landscape is changing, and so are the ways we help people make homeownership work.
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