The 5-Year Homeowner: Why More People Are Staying Put, and Why That Could Actually Help Future Buyers

If you've been wondering why there don't seem to be as many homes hitting the market as you'd expect, there may be a surprisingly simple explanation:

Homeowners are choosing to stay put and improve what they already have.

According to a recent Realtor.com report, 66% of homeowners say they plan to make a major investment in their home within the next five years—the highest level recorded in Angi's research. At the same time, national inventory remains below typical pre-pandemic levels.

At first, that sounds like bad news for buyers.

Fewer homeowners selling means fewer homes available.

But there may be a silver lining.

The homeowners who are staying put today could be creating better housing options for buyers tomorrow.

Why Are Homeowners Staying Put?

There are several reasons homeowners may be reluctant to move right now.

Mortgage rates are significantly higher than the ultra-low rates many homeowners secured during 2020 and 2021. For someone sitting on a mortgage in the 2% or 3% range, selling and purchasing another home at today's rates can be a difficult financial decision.

Add in today's home prices, insurance costs, property taxes, and general economic uncertainty, and staying put can start to make a lot of sense.

Instead of selling, homeowners are asking:

"What if we just make the house we already own work better for us?"

That could mean renovating a kitchen, finishing a basement, replacing an aging roof or HVAC system, creating a home office, or simply taking care of maintenance that has been put off.

Inventory Is Still a Challenge

For buyers, the downside is obvious.

Fewer homeowners moving means fewer homes coming onto the market.

Realtor.com reported that July 2026 inventory was still 11.6% below typical 2017–2019 levels, even though active listings have improved compared with last year.

That shortage can be particularly challenging for buyers looking for affordable homes.

When there aren't enough homes available, buyers have fewer options and may have to compromise on location, size, condition, or price.

But there's another side to the story.

The Hidden Benefit for Future Buyers

The homeowners who are staying aren't necessarily ignoring their properties.

They're investing in them.

Angi's 2026 data found that 58% of homeowners surveyed had completed a repair within the previous month, while 63% had completed maintenance work.

That's important because every year of maintenance and improvement helps preserve the existing housing stock.

Think about it this way:

A homeowner who replaces an aging roof today may eventually sell a home with a roof that a future buyer doesn't have to worry about.

Someone who updates an outdated kitchen may eventually put a more move-in-ready home on the market.

A homeowner who consistently maintains their HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and other major systems is potentially preventing small problems from becoming major ones.

So while today's buyers may be frustrated by a lack of inventory, some of that inventory may be getting better behind the scenes.

What This Could Mean for Charlotte-Area Buyers

This trend is particularly interesting here in the Charlotte region.

Our area continues to grow, with buyers searching across Charlotte, Concord, Harrisburg, Kannapolis, Huntersville, Mooresville, and surrounding communities.

Many established neighborhoods have homes that are decades old.

That means maintenance and renovation can make a significant difference in the quality of the homes that eventually come onto the market.

For buyers, this is another reason not to judge a home solely by its age.

A 25-year-old home that has been consistently maintained and thoughtfully updated may actually be a better purchase than a newer home that has been neglected.

Condition matters.

What This Means for Sellers

For homeowners who are considering staying for another five years, this trend also presents an opportunity.

If you're not planning to sell immediately, investing in the right improvements can make your home more enjoyable today while potentially positioning it better for a future sale.

That doesn't mean every renovation will give you a dollar-for-dollar return.

In fact, Realtor.com notes that not every home improvement necessarily translates directly into a higher sale price. But consistent maintenance can prevent costly deferred repairs and help preserve the home's value over time.

The best improvements are often the ones that make sense for both your lifestyle and the future marketability of your home.

The "Stay Put" Trend Won't Last Forever

Here's where I think this gets particularly interesting.

Many homeowners may be staying because today's market doesn't make moving financially attractive.

But life changes.

Families grow.

Children move out.

Jobs change.

People retire.

Homeowners eventually need less space—or sometimes more.

When those homeowners are finally ready to sell, buyers could see a wave of homes that have been cared for and improved during the years they were off the market.

That's the potential long-term silver lining.

Should Buyers Wait?

Probably not simply because they're expecting a flood of renovated homes to hit the market.

No one knows exactly when homeowners will decide to sell.

And waiting for the "perfect" inventory environment can mean missing opportunities that are available today.

Instead, buyers should focus on finding the right combination of:

• Location

• Price

• Condition

• Monthly payment

• Long-term potential

A home doesn't have to be perfect when you buy it.

Sometimes the best opportunity is a home with good bones that has been well maintained but simply needs cosmetic updates.

The Bigger Housing Story

The housing market isn't just about mortgage rates or home prices.

It's also about the homes that already exist.

America has millions of homeowners who are choosing to invest in their current properties rather than move.

In the short term, that's contributing to a shortage of available homes.

But over the long term, those investments could help preserve the quality of the housing supply and give future buyers more move-in-ready options.

And that's a trend worth watching.

Final Thoughts

If you're a buyer frustrated by the lack of inventory, it can be easy to look at today's market and see only the challenges.

But there is another story happening underneath the surface.

Homeowners are taking care of their homes.

They're renovating.

They're maintaining major systems.

They're improving properties they may eventually sell.

And when those homes finally do come to market, future buyers may benefit from years of investment.

For today's buyers, the lesson is to look beyond the newest listing.

Sometimes the best home isn't the newest one—it’s the one that has been loved, maintained, and improved over time.

And if you're thinking about buying or selling in the Charlotte area, understanding both the current inventory and what's happening behind the scenes can help you make a much more informed decision.