Americans are looking for stability when it comes to building long-term wealth. The latest Gallup poll shows that once again, real estate leads the way.
For the 11th straight year, more Americans named real estate the best long-term investment over stocks, gold, savings accounts, bonds, or cryptocurrency. Real estate continues to lead as the perceived best long-term investment.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- 36% of Americans ranked real estate as the top long-term investment.
- Stocks came in second at 22%, followed by gold at 18%.
- Real estate has held the top spot every year since 2014.
- Confidence in real estate spans income levels and demographics.
- Gallup’s findings mirror what homeowners already know: property builds lasting value.
Gallup’s 2025 Rankings at a Glance
According to Gallup’s 2025 Investment Preferences Survey:
- Real Estate: 36%
- Stocks or Mutual Funds: 22%
- Gold: 18%
- Savings Accounts or CDs: 13%
- Bonds: 4%
- Cryptocurrency: 3%
Real estate has remained the top choice every year since 2014. Even as other assets shift in popularity, property ownership continues to lead by a wide margin.
Why Real Estate Feels Reliable
Investments often rise and fall with market cycles. Stocks react to earnings and global events. Gold swings with inflation fears. Cryptocurrency remains unpredictable.
Real estate offers something different. A home is tangible. It can be lived in, improved, and passed on. Even when the market slows, long-term appreciation has made property ownership one of the most dependable paths to wealth over the past two decades.
What the 2025 Trends Reveal
This year’s survey highlights a few shifts:
Stocks gained confidence compared to last year, though they remain well behind real estate. Gold, which saw a surge in 2023 and 2024, declined in popularity. Opinions vary by income level, but real estate ranks first across all groups.
For homeowners and buyers in places like Fort Myers and Lee County, these results confirm what many already feel. Property holds its value and provides both financial and personal return.
What It Means for Buyers, Sellers, and Agents
Buyers want confidence that their money is building value over time. Sellers want reassurance that the equity they’ve built will be recognized by future buyers. Agents know that clients are counting on them to provide guidance they can trust.
At Worthington Realty, we believe this trust comes from more than statistics. It comes from listening closely, understanding each client’s needs, and creating strategies that fit real lives.
If you want to explore how national trends reflect in your neighborhood, start with our Market Trends updates. And if you’re preparing to buy, our free Home Buying Guide can walk you through each step of the process.
FAQs About Real Estate as an Investment
Because property is both tangible and useful. People see it as stable, appreciating over time, and offering personal value beyond returns.
Stocks were chosen by 22% of Americans, compared to 36% who chose real estate. While stocks gained ground this year, they remain far behind property ownership.
Real estate has led Gallup’s poll every year since 2014, showing its consistency across economic cycles.
Gallup reports that while preferences shift slightly, real estate ranks first across nearly every income level and demographic.
You can review Gallup’s complete Investment Preferences Survey for detailed findings.
Final Thoughts
Gallup’s 2025 survey confirms what homeowners already know: real estate is viewed as the most trusted path to long-term financial security. It has held the top spot for more than a decade, and its mix of stability and usability continues to set it apart.
If you are planning your next move, explore Fort Myers homes for sale or see our Market Trends updates to understand what is happening locally.
Most homeowners feel overwhelmed when it’s time to move. At Worthington Realty, we provide personalized guidance and clear communication so that you feel heard, valued, and confident in your decisions.
