National Housing Survey

Consumers’ Attitude Toward Housing Conditions Remains Mixed

Survey Respondents Express Growing Concern About Direction of the Economy

November 8, 2021

Home Purchase Sentiment Index® (HPSI) increased 1 point to 75.5 in October, as consumers once again reported mixed feelings about homebuying and home-selling conditions, as well as increased pessimism regarding the larger economy. Overall, four of the index’s six components increased month over month. In October, slightly greater shares of consumers reported that it’s a good time to buy a home and sell a home – with those numbers now sitting at 30 percent and 77 percent, respectively, up from 28 percent and 74 percent last month. Consumers also reported even stronger expectations that mortgage rates will increase over the next 12 months. Year over year, the full index is down 6.2 points.

“The HPSI remained relatively flat this month, staying within the general bounds it began to set in June 2020 – following the initial shock of the pandemic to the index,” said Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae Senior Vice President and Chief Economist. “While homebuying and home-selling sentiment remain at historically low and high levels, respectively, more consumers now expect that their personal financial situation will not improve over the next 12 months. This is particularly true among surveyed homeowners and older age groups.” 

Duncan continued: “In October, consumers also reported greater concern about the direction of the economy, with ‘right track’ sentiment reaching its lowest level since October 2013. We believe the uptick in negative economic sentiment is likely a function of ongoing supply chain disruptions and inflation concerns. However, while economic uncertainty could potentially dampen mortgage demand over the longer term, we believe current market conditions remain conducive to home purchase activity, as demand for homes continues to far outstrip the supply available for sale.”