Homeownership on the Edge: Truework 2026 Recent Homebuyer Report

Truework's 2026 Recent Homebuyer Report found that many recent buyers are stretching their finances with the expectation they'll refinance in the future. Among homeowners with a mortgage, 88% say a common financial setback could jeopardize their ability to make their monthly payment, 85% say refinancing within the next three years is important to their financial health (up from 56% in 2025), and 50% say their mortgage will become financially unsustainable without a lower interest rate. The report also found that 32% have already cut back on basic living expenses to afford their mortgage, while 67% say a job loss or reduction in income would put their mortgage payments at serious risk. Truework describes this trend as "Conditional Affordability"—buyers can afford today's payment, but only through ongoing financial sacrifices and the expectation that interest rates will eventually decline.

The findings suggest that affordability challenges don't end once a home purchase closes. Mortgage lenders, banks, insurance providers, home improvement retailers, furniture stores, utility companies and other housing-related businesses have an opportunity to help homeowners manage ongoing financial pressures with products, services and messaging that emphasize long-term value, flexibility and financial stability rather than the initial purchase alone.