The Great Reset: Why 1 in 3 Americans are “Rooting” for a Housing Market Crash
In a typical economy, the word “crash” sends shivers down the spine of every homeowner and investor. But 2026 is proving to be anything but typical. A new LendingTree survey of 2,000 consumers found that 31% of Americans—nearly one in three—are actively hoping for a Housing Market Crash.
What’s even more surprising? The sentiment is perfectly split. Both homeowners and renters registered the exact same 31% support for a market collapse, though their motivations for wanting to see the “bubble” burst couldn’t be further apart.
The Divide: Opportunity vs. Tax Relief
For those on the outside looking in, a crash represents the only open door. 37% of renters who want a crash believe that a massive price drop is their only realistic path to homeownership. In contrast, only 12% of homeowners shared this sentiment.
Homeowners, meanwhile, have a more practical, recurring expense in mind: Property Taxes.
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39% of homeowners hoping for a crash are looking for a reduction in their annual tax assessments.
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Only 15% of renters cited this as a reason (likely hoping for a trickle-down effect on their monthly rent).
Stability and Reform: The Structural Argument
Beyond personal gain, many respondents view a crash as a “cleansing” event for a broken system.
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Future Stability: 33% of homeowners and 26% of renters believe a crash is necessary to restore long-term stability to the market.
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Economic Reform: 23% of renters hope a collapse will trigger broader economic changes, compared to 15% of homeowners.
This “burn it down to rebuild” mentality stems from a decade of skyrocketing costs. In the last six years alone, the average monthly mortgage payment for new buyers has nearly doubled, leaving many to look back at the 2008 financial crisis as a missed window of affordability.
Expectations vs. Reality: The 50-Year Mortgage
Despite the desire for a crash, most consumers aren’t holding their breath. Over half of both groups (58% of renters and 53% of homeowners) expect prices to continue climbing throughout 2026. In fact, 22% of renters fear a price hike of 10% or more in the next 12 months.
This pessimism has led to surprising support for unconventional solutions, such as President Trump’s proposed 50-year mortgage. While economists warn of “intergenerational debt,” consumers are desperate for lower monthly payments:
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29% of homeowners and 30% of renters expressed a willingness to sign up for a half-century loan if it meant immediate affordability.
The Bottom Line
When nearly a third of the population—including those who already own assets—prays for those assets to lose value, it’s a clear signal that the housing market has reached a psychological breaking point. Whether through a crash or a 50-year loan, Americans are clearly looking for any exit ramp from the current pricing spiral.
BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]
