Americans Say Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment in 2026

Why So Many Americans Still Believe in Real Estate

Every year, Gallup asks Americans one simple question:

"What do you believe is the best long-term investment?"

For the 14th consecutive year, real estate earned the top spot.

That result isn't especially surprising. While conversations around investing often shift toward the latest trends whether it's cryptocurrency, the stock market, or precious metals. Many people continue to see homeownership as one of the most dependable ways to build wealth over time.

Let's take a closer look at what Americans shared in this year's poll and why real estate continues to inspire so much confidence.

What Americans Said in the 2026 Gallup Poll

Gallup asks this same question every year, giving us a unique look at how Americans feel about long-term investing.

Here's how respondents answered in 2026:

  • Real estate: 38%

  • Stocks & mutual funds: 20%

  • Gold: 18%

  • Savings accounts & CDs: 12%

  • Bonds: 4%

  • Cryptocurrency: 2%

Real estate received nearly twice as many votes as the next closest investment option.

While confidence in stocks increased slightly from last year, rising from 16% to 20%, and gold settled down after its 2023 peak, cryptocurrency despite all the attention it receives remains a choice for only a small percentage of Americans.

Fourteen Years of Confidence

Fourteen years is a remarkable amount of time for any investment to remain at the top.

Since 2013, real estate has consistently been named America's favorite long-term investment, weathering changing markets, a global pandemic, rising interest rates, and economic uncertainty.

There have only been two brief periods when another investment claimed the top position:

  • 2008–2009: During the financial crisis, many Americans turned toward savings accounts and CDs, which slightly outpaced real estate.

  • 2011–2012: As the economy continued recovering, gold became the preferred investment for a short time.

By 2013, real estate had reclaimed the number one spot—and it has remained there ever since.

Why Real Estate Continues to Stand Out

For many people, a home represents much more than an investment.

It's where families gather around the dinner table, children take their first steps, holidays are celebrated, and memories are made. At the same time, it can quietly build equity and create long-term financial stability.

While the stock market has historically delivered higher overall returns, it has also experienced greater volatility. Between 1990 and April 2024, the S&P 500 gained approximately 1,325%, while the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index increased by about 308%.

Real estate, on the other hand, has traditionally offered steadier, more consistent appreciation over time. Even after periods of economic uncertainty, including the housing crisis of 2008, home values have demonstrated resilience and long-term recovery.

According to ResiClub, U.S. home prices have grown consistently over the past several decades:

  • 1990s: +30.1%

  • 2000s: +47.3%

  • 2010s: +44.7%

  • 2020–2024: +47.1%

Each decade has delivered meaningful appreciation, reinforcing why so many Americans continue to view homeownership as a valuable long-term investment.

The Right Investment Is Personal

Of course, every financial journey is different.

Buying a home is typically best viewed as a long-term investment. If you anticipate moving again in just a few years, homeownership may not be the right financial decision for your current situation.

While Gallup's poll shows that many Americans continue to place their confidence in real estate, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to investing. Your financial goals, comfort with risk, and timeline all play an important role in determining what's right for you.

If you're considering purchasing a home not only as a place to live, but as part of your long-term financial future, I'd be happy to answer your questions and help you explore your options. And as always, it's wise to work alongside a trusted financial advisor when making investment decisions that align with your personal goals.

Sam Marshman