Survey: Parent Homeowners Support Dual Generations Amidst Home Equity Knowledge Gap

A new national survey reveals that homeowner parents are facing financial pressures extending beyond typical cost-of-living concerns. The survey found that 41% of parents who own homes are also providing financial support to their own parents. This dual caregiving burden, often referred to as the "sandwich generation," is forcing households to make choices with long-lasting consequences.

The study highlights that over half (56%) of these parents report that caregiving costs are impacting their long-term financial planning. A significant 71% stated that current expenses are preventing them from building future wealth. These financial pressures are influencing major life decisions, with 66% indicating they would send their children to better schools if affordable, and an equal percentage believe paying for college will diminish their retirement savings. Additionally, 47% are delaying home repairs or improvements, and 43% have decided against expanding their families despite a desire to do so.

The survey also uncovered a significant gap in awareness and confidence regarding the potential to access home equity. American homeowners collectively hold nearly $35 trillion in home equity, averaging $274,000 per typical U.S. homeowner. However, a substantial portion of these households do not understand how they might access these funds. Forty percent of respondents do not know how much equity they have in their homes, and 39% do not believe they would qualify for any option to tap into it.

The research was conducted by Atomik Research through an online survey of 1,500 homeowner parents with children in the United States, from May 28 to June 1, 2026. Unlock Technologies, a fintech company based in Tempe, Arizona, offers products including home equity agreements designed to help consumers access their built-up home equity without incurring monthly payments.