Even though safety is the most important thing for homebuyers, 22% say they'd be okay with less safety if it means they can afford a home. Other important things people look for are low crime and a lower chance of natural disasters. According to a recent survey, about 22% of homebuyers are willing to compromise on safety to afford a home.
Still, safety is the top must-have for most people, with 78% saying it's a must. Next are low crime rates and low risk of natural disasters, with 74% and 68% respectively considering them must-haves. Access to grocery stores is also important, with two-thirds of buyers not willing to give that up.
This survey was done in May 2025 by Ipsos and included more than 4,000 U.S. homeowners and renters. The report focuses on 1,224 people planning to buy a home within the next year. The results have a margin of error of about 3.4 percentage points. The survey asked people to list features they consider must-haves versus ones they would be willing to give up to afford a home. They were asked about 18 different features and could pick either "must have" or "willing to compromise.
The survey asked about must-haves versus things people might compromise on because, it's hard to afford a home right now. The median home price in the U.S. has gone up more than 40% since before the pandemic, and mortgage rates are almost double what they were a few years ago. Buyers now need to make about $112,000 to afford the average home, which is about $25,000 more than the typical household earns. Even though some cities are getting a bit cheaper, buying a home is still difficult for many.
Prices are starting to go down, but buyers, specifically first-timers, are still struggling with affordability. Buyers want homes that fit their needs...a room for every kid, space to work from home, or an easy commute. Some features like a finished backyard with a pool or a newly renovated kitchen aren't as important as they used to be. People might like these features, but they aren't willing to or can't pay more for them.
It's also important to note that in many parts of the country, the housing market has shifted to be more buyer-friendly. Buyers may be able to negotiate the price or get help from sellers, such as a lower mortgage rate or help with closing costs, which can take some of the pain away. Sellers know it's taking longer to sell and that they can't expect multiple offers like before. Today, the definition of a win is just selling. For buyers who find a home they really like, it's worth trying to negotiate with the seller.
For those with kids, having good schools is important, but not as important as space. As the school year starts, we also looked at people with kids and whether they're willing to give up good schools for a cheaper home. About 41% of people with kids say they're willing to give up good schools to afford a home, while 59% consider them a must-have.
Overall, good schools are in the middle when it comes to must-haves for families. People with kids are more likely to see things like the number of bedrooms, indoor space, and outdoor space as must-haves than good schools. They're also less likely to say things like commute time, being close to restaurants, or certain neighborhood features are must-haves.
While homeownership in San Diego still difficult, making the right decision about buying or selling can feel like a real challenge. Whether you're buying a home, downsizing or upsizing your current home, investing or cashing out all together...if you’re open to having the right team put in the work for you, we can get it done.
Hennin Foreman and The DHC Group can help you explore what’s possible and present pain free options that might work for you.
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