U.S. homeownership rate, how long owners stay, what homeownership really costs per year, how homeowners hire contractors — sourced statistics.
Ownership in America
The U.S. homeownership rate is roughly 65–66% of households. — Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Housing Vacancies and Homeownership (2025)
There are roughly 86 million owner-occupied housing units in the United States. — Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (2023)
The typical homeowner now stays in their home around 12 years before selling — roughly double the tenure of the mid-2000s. — Source: Redfin / NAR tenure analyses (2024)
The median U.S. existing-home sale price crossed $400,000 in recent years. — Source: National Association of Realtors (NAR) (2024)
What ownership really costs
The hidden costs of homeownership — property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities — average roughly $18,000 per year on top of the mortgage. — Source: Bankrate Hidden Costs of Homeownership study (2024)
Financial planners' rule of thumb: budget 1% to 4% of your home's value every year for maintenance and repairs. — Source: Consumer finance guidance (widely cited industry rule) (2025)
A large share of homeowners admit to deferring needed maintenance because of cost — and deferred problems (roofs, leaks, HVAC) reliably cost multiples more later. — Source: Angi State of Home Spending (2023)
How homeowners hire
Consumer agencies recommend at least three written bids, but surveys consistently show many homeowners hire from just one or two. — Source: Federal Trade Commission guidance / industry surveys (2025)
Referrals from friends and family remain the #1 way homeowners find contractors — ahead of any website or app. — Source: Industry consumer surveys (Houzz, Angi) (2024)
Homeowners who agree on a realistic budget before contacting contractors report dramatically fewer disputes — which is the entire premise of budget-first planning. — Source: Make It Livable planner data (DMV) (2026)
Common questions
How much should I budget for home maintenance per year?
The standard rule is 1% to 4% of your home's value annually — for a $500,000 DMV home, that's $5,000 to $20,000 a year across routine maintenance and the occasional big-ticket failure. Older homes sit at the high end.
How long does the average homeowner stay in their home?
About 12 years, roughly double what it was in the mid-2000s. Longer tenure is one reason remodeling spending has boomed — people are improving the home they have instead of moving.
Make It Livable — plan your home project before you hire anyone. A real budget, timeline, and permit rules for DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, free at /plan. Already holding a quote? Get a Second Look before you sign.