Survey Captures Housing Attitudes Among Single Buyers

Three-quarters of single homeowners think owning a home is still an important life goal, according to a recent survey.

Harris Interactive surveyed 1,462 homeowners for Century 21, capturing the look at singles from 675 participants.

According to the poll, 45 percent of singles between ages 25 and 50 considered homeownership "very important."

Single homeowners considered homeownership an important financial investment. Some chalked up their decision to frustration over rent, while others said it "felt like the right time" to move into homes of their own.

Century 21 President and CEO Rick Davidson described the numbers as a "shift in the home-buying population" when it came to singles.

"This survey shows that homeownership is a major life decision for singles, and that it is just as important a part of the American Dream for singles as it is for married couples," Davidson added.

Nearly 64 percent of those surveyed said they had to overcome "roadblocks" in their pursuit of homeownership, according to the survey.

Singles reported making certain lifestyle changes in order to achieve their dreams.

Staying frugal came into play for these new homeowners, with dining out less, trimming down entertainment bills, and fewer vacations reportedly helpful in their search for the right home, the survey found.

Aesthetic and quality of life factored into their final decisions to relocate to a new home. Single homeowners in the same age range looked for space by square feet, yard design, and their relative nearness to school and work.

Those who fell between ages 25 and 35 also searched for homes with good cellular service and closeness to public transit.

The survey may be some comfort to brokers and real estate agents.

Experts say homeownership remains adrift just four years after the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, with many younger would-be homeowners reportedly preferring to stay renters.