- Just 30%of Americans think advances in AI will help increase the economy and assist more individuals pay for homes, according to a current Redfin survey. Most of both Democrats and Republicans believe AI will make it more difficult to afford homes
- . Nearly two-thirds of Americans say tariffs will cause inflation and keep rates of interest high, while 31% state tariffs will enhance the economy.
- Half think less migration will lead to fewer construction workers and less new homes, harming real estate price, while 35% think less immigration will decrease need for real estate and help cost.
- Almost half say loosening zoning rules will make homes more budget-friendly.
Approximately three in five (59%) U.S. homeowners think advances in expert system will remove tasks and make it harder for people to afford homes, according to a recent Redfin study.
Half as many individuals (30%) think the opposite, that advances in AI will assist improve the U.S. economy and help more people pay for homes.
This report is based upon a Redfin-commissioned survey performed by Ipsos in November 2025, fielded to 4,000 U.S. homeowners.
Please see completion of this report for more on approach. AI has dominated headlines as rapid advances stoke worries that it might automate a considerable share of white-collar jobs. Some price quotes suggest as much as 30% of U.S. jobs might be displaced, with 80% of workers impacted in some way, sustaining anxiety about income stability. Unpredictability around the future of the labor market might likewise add to unpredictable mortgage rates, including another hurdle for prospective property buyers.
So far, that worst-case scenario isn’t reflected in the data. However cracks are starting to show: February’s tasks report was weaker than expected; some analysts say that’s partly due to some companies cutting tasks in favor of purchasing AI. Still, the unemployment rate remains relatively low.
Democrats, Republicans Agree That AI Could Hurt Housing Price
Broken down by political celebration, just over three in 5 (63%) Democrats state advances in AI will remove jobs and make it harder to afford homes. Simply under three in five (57%) Republican politicians state the same thing.
Many Americans Say Tariffs Will Keep Inflation and Rates High
Redfin also asked how other factors are impacting how people think about housing affordability.
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of U.S. locals think tariffs will trigger inflation and keep rate of interest high. Three in 10 (31%) state tariffs will help improve the U.S. economy, helping more people manage to buy homes.
President Trump’s tariffs have unsettled potential homebuyers given that he presented them last year. An April 2025 Redfin survey found 24% of Americans canceled prepare for a significant purchase like a home or car since of tariffs, and 32% delayed them. Policy changes have contributed to the uncertainty. After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down part of the tariffs in late February, the president rapidly renewed new ones through a various system.
Americans Are Split on Immigration’s Impact on Real estate
We also asked people how guidelines and regulations around migration will help or harm housing affordability:
- Over half (52%) state less immigration will result in less construction workers and less brand-new homes, driving up home prices.
- On the other hand, 35% state less immigration will reduce need for real estate, making it more economical.
President Trump has pursued more stringent immigration policies centered on tightening border security, broadening deportations and minimizing certain legal immigration pathways.
When asked about zoning, nearly half (47%) of U.S. homeowners state less restrictive rules around building and zoning will assist make homes more affordable, while 19% disagree with that belief.
Many state and local political leaders support loosening up zoning laws to make it much easier to construct homes, consisting of the guvs of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Illinois. Some legislators oppose such a modification, arguing it would undermine neighborhood character and permit taller, denser real estate.
Democrats and Republicans differ on beliefs about how tariffs, migration and zoning laws will affect housing cost. For example, 79% of Democrats state tariffs will cause inflation and keep interest rates high, compared to 51% of Republicans. And Republicans are far more likely to believe that less immigration will ultimately make housing more economical.
Methodology
The study results in this report are from a Redfin-commissioned survey carried out by Ipsos in November 2025, fielded to 4,000 U.S. residents. The results for this combined group of study participants have a credibility period of +/ -1.9 percentage points.
This report focuses on the question: “To what level do you agree or disagree with the following statements in relation to current trends in policy and the economy that could impact the real estate market?” It notes 7 statements, noted in the charts above.
Here’s the complete study questionnaire for concerns referenced in this report.