U.S. Homeowner Equity Hits Four-Year Low Amid Rising Underwater Mortgages
Homeowner equity in the United States has declined to its lowest level in four years, as reported by ATTOM, a property data provider. The percentage of equity-rich homes, where owners have at least 50% equity, fell to 43.3% in early 2026, down from 44.6% in the previous quarter. This decline is attributed to stagnant property values and persistently high mortgage rates. Concurrently, the share of seriously underwater mortgages, where homeowners owe at least 25% more than their property's market value, increased to 3.2%. The report highlights that homeowners who purchased properties at peak prices with minimal down payments are most vulnerable to negative equity. 
