Apr 16, 2026
Americans are under such pressure from today's housing market that some are even hoping for it to fall apart.
A new survey from LendingTree finds that 36% of Americans believe the housing market could crash within the next year, and 31% say they're actually rooting for that to happen.
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Among the Gen Z age group, 59% are hoping for a downturn.
For many younger Americans, a crash represents a potential chance to enter the housing market rather than a disaster waiting to happen.
An affordability breaking point
Nearly half of Americans — around 45% — say their biggest worry is high home prices. Rising property taxes concern 38%, 35% cite high mortgage rates, and 30% are anxious about the broader economic fallout.
Sentiment for the year ahead is not very optimistic:
- 55% think home prices will rise in the next year
- About two-thirds of those respondents expect prices to jump at least 5%
- 19% believe prices could climb 10% or more
- 52% don't think mortgage rates will ever return to the rock-bottom levels of 2020-2021
During his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump dismissed the affordability crisis as a "dirty, rotten lie," adding, "We are doing really well (1)." That was before the war in Iran exacerbated the cost of everyday goods and saw gas prices spike to over $4 per gallon (2).
But the LendingTree survey shows that millions of Americans feel financial pressure every month. That helps explain why a surprising number of people say they are rooting for a housing downturn, and demonstrates the frustration many feel about affordability.
The most common reasons respondents gave include the belief that a crash could bring more long-term stability to the housing market, lower property tax bills for current homeowners, and make it easier for first-time buyers to finally afford a home (3).
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One Reddit user lamented that during the darkest days of the Great Recession, prices for single family homes in parts of Oakland, Calif. were "cheaper than a Mercedes or a high-end Accord (4)." (This person's memory might be clouded by nostalgia. It was uncommon, though not unheard of, for single-family homes to sell for less than $125,000 even in the bottom of the housing crash in mid-2009, according to Federal Reserve data. Only about 7,000 sold for under that nationwide in the third quarter of that year)(5). And those home purchases came with significant risks.
The 2008 housing crisis also triggered millions of foreclosures, wiped out significant household wealth, and made lenders far more cautious. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, an estimated 3.8 million homes were lost to foreclosure between 2007 and 2010, highlighting the massive toll of the housing crisis on American homeowners (6).
Mortgages became harder to get, even for financially stable borrowers. While a downturn could lower prices, it could also tighten credit and destabilize the broader economy.
Even current homeowners aren't feeling confident. While half say they expect to buy another home someday, 35% admit they're reluctant to move because of higher mortgage rates. Among Gen Z homeowners, that jumps to 62%.
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What you can do if the market stays up
Hoping for a market collapse is more of an emotional reaction than a practical financial plan. So what can buyers actually do in today's market?
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Consider a fixer-upper. Homes that need a refresh often sell for less. If you're willing to renovate, you may be able to buy at a lower price point and build equity over time. Just be cautious: Make sure you get a thorough inspection and leave room in your budget for unexpected repairs. Major updates — such as replacing an aging roof or upgrading plumbing or electrical systems — can quickly turn a bargain into a burden (7).
Broaden your search. Not every region is priced equally. Smaller towns or rural areas often offer more space and affordability (8). Remote or hybrid work has also given some buyers the flexibility to consider affordability over proximity to the office, opening up options that might not have been realistic a few years ago.
Team up. Co-buying with a trusted friend or family member is on the rise, according to Freddie Mac (9). Splitting the down payment and monthly costs can make ownership feasible sooner. However, it shouldn't be just a handshake deal. Consider a formal co-ownership agreement that clearly outlines who pays for what, how equity is divided, and what happens if someone wants to sell.
Focus on what you can control. Improving your credit score, paying down high-interest debt and building even a modest down payment fund can expand your options. Shopping around with multiple lenders may also help you find better rates or lower fees. In a competitive market, being financially prepared can make the difference between overstretching and buying a home you can realistically afford.
The LendingTree survey reveals just how emotionally charged housing has become. For millions of Americans, homeownership feels farther away than ever. But history suggests that while wishing for a crash might solve one problem, it could also create several new ones that would affect consumers and the broader economy.
Article Sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our ethics and guidelines.
Time (1); CNN (2); LendingTree (3); Reddit (4); Federal Reserve Economic Data (5); Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (6); Bankrate (7); National Association of Realtors (8); Freddie Mac (9)
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Jessica is a freelance writer with a professional background in economic development and small business consulting. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Sociology and is completing her Publishing Certificate.
