In a recent Gallup poll, Americans have once again expressed their preference for real estate over stocks as the best long-term investment, continuing a trend observed since 2013. Despite financial experts consistently promoting the stock market as the top choice for long-term growth—pointing to an impressive average annual return of 11.5% for the S&P 500 over 40 years through 2025—stocks have yet to capture the public’s favor in Gallup’s polling history.
The 2026 survey revealed that 38% of respondents named real estate as their top investment choice, while stocks and mutual funds secured only 20%. Gold followed closely at 18%, savings accounts and CDs at 12%, bonds at 4%, and cryptocurrency lagged behind with just 2%.
Gallup has been conducting this survey annually since 2007, documenting shifts in American investment sentiment. Notably, the 2008 financial crisis saw a surge in preference for savings accounts, as stock and housing markets plummeted. Reflecting on that period, certified financial planner Matt Frankel noted: “During the Great Recession, nothing was performing well, and that’s why savings accounts won.”
In 2011, Gallup introduced gold into the survey, which captured the top spot in both the initial year and the following one as investors sought refuge in physical assets amid market instability.
Experts interpret these preferences as indicative of an underlying distrust in the stock market, particularly following the significant losses experienced during the 2007 to 2009 recession. Christine Benz from Morningstar emphasized that many investors have not fully recovered from that experience, making stocks a more difficult choice emotionally and psychologically.
In contrast, real estate is frequently perceived as a stable investment. Frankel pointed out that home prices have historically appreciated in value, making it a dependable asset for many American households. Even in the aftermath of the housing market crisis, the overall trajectory of real estate has remained upward over decades.
Despite this sentiment, financial analysts maintain that the stock market historically outperforms real estate. Over the past 30 years, stock prices have risen four times faster than home prices. According to a Motley Fool analysis, from 1992 to 2024, the S&P delivered an average annual return of 10.4%, compared to a mere 5.5% for residential properties.
One notable reason for Americans’ preference for real estate is that a significant portion of the population, about two-thirds of American households, own their homes versus only 21% who hold direct stock investments. Frankel suggests that the familiarity and understanding of homeownership contribute to its appeal, as many view a home as a long-term savings strategy that builds equity over time.
The recent polling also reflects a broader generational perspective, where older Americans, having experienced stock market downturns, often view gold and real estate more favorably compared to stocks.
Gold, which has experienced substantial price increases recently, remains a topic of interest. At one point in early 2026, its value surged by approximately 75% over the past year and 200% over five years. However, experts caution against viewing gold as the definitive investment choice, suggesting its role is better suited as a component of a diversified portfolio rather than a standalone solution.
For safer investments, savings accounts and CDs are recommended primarily for those with a low-risk tolerance or those seeking to mitigate stock market volatility. Presently, many high-yield savings accounts offer interest rates around 4%, which aligns closely with current inflation, providing little growth beyond maintaining purchasing power.
As the investment landscape continues to evolve, the disparity between expert recommendations and popular sentiment remains a fascinating aspect of American finance. The enduring preference for real estate over stocks underscores a complex relationship with risk, stability, and ownership that shapes how individuals approach long-term financial planning.
