During the price spikes of the pandemic-era housing market, the number of homeowners with homes that had an estimated value of more than twice what they owed on their mortgage was climbing. In fact, the share of homes that were considered equity rich eventually hit 49.2 percent during the second quarter of 2024. Since then, though, it has begun to retreat. In fact, according to new numbers from ATTOM Data Solutions’ 2026 First Quarter U.S. Home Equity & Underwater Report, the share of equity rich homes among all mortgaged residential properties fell to 43.3 percent, down from 44.6 percent the previous quarter. Rob Barber, ATTOM’s CEO, says homeowners are still doing well. “Homeowner equity remains relatively strong overall, but we’re seeing signs of moderation,” Barber said. “As mortgage rates have risen and home prices have cooled, the share of equity-rich homes has declined in most markets …” There are, however, some parts of the country where the share continues to climb, with Illinois, Alaska, the Dakotas, New York, and Wisconsin all posting year-over-year gains. (source)
