Key facts
- Inflation and rising cost of living is the top financial concern for senior homeowners, cited by 67% of respondents.
- Property taxes and home maintenance costs are each cited as major concerns by 38% of senior homeowners.
- Homeowners insurance is a major concern for 26% of senior homeowners.
- Among senior homeowners with annual incomes of at least $100,000, 76% feel confident about their long-term financial security.
- Among senior homeowners with annual incomes below $50,000, 39% feel confident about their long-term financial security.
- Women are more likely than men to cite home maintenance (45% vs. 31%), homeowners insurance (29% vs. 23%), inflation (69% vs. 64%), and debt payments (24% vs. 20%) as major financial concerns.
Inflation and rising housing costs are significantly impacting the financial outlook of senior homeowners in the U.S., according to the inaugural 2026 Longbridge Financial Home Equity Confidence Index. The survey, which polled 2,021 homeowners aged 55 and older between March 26 and April 5, 2026, found that only 28% anticipate their financial situation improving in the next year, while 44% expect it to remain the same and 23% foresee a decline.
Inflation and the cost of living were identified as the primary concerns by 67% of respondents, followed by healthcare costs at 43%. Housing-related expenses also weigh heavily, with 38% citing property taxes and home maintenance, and 26% concerned about homeowners insurance. Overall, nine in 10 surveyed homeowners reported at least one of the measured financial concerns.
Chris Mayer, CEO of Longbridge Financial, noted that the financial pressure is not uniform, with significant disparities appearing based on household income. Senior homeowners earning $100,000 or more annually reported 76% confidence in their long-term financial security, compared to 58% for those earning $50,000-$100,000, and 39% for those earning less than $50,000. A similar pattern emerged for confidence in covering daily expenses and affording retirement lifestyle activities like leisure and travel.
The survey also highlighted gender-based differences in financial stress. Women were more likely than men to express concern about home maintenance (45% vs. 31%), homeowners insurance (29% vs. 23%), inflation (69% vs. 64%), and debt payments (24% vs. 20%). These findings suggest that financial products aimed at converting home equity into retirement income may require more targeted education and outreach to older women.