Zillow’s Breakeven Horizon Report says that “U.S. renters can break even in fewer than two years on average if they buy a house instead.” But many remain renters.
Respondents to Zillow’s survey on renting found that 20 percent of renters say they prefer renting, and 53 percent say poor credit or other financial barriers keep them from buying.
Taxes, maintenance, and other costs associated with homeownership was the concern 18 percent of renters had about buying a home. The next biggest concern, with 16 percent of respondents, was that they don’t qualify for a home loan.