All racial and ethnic groups and immigrants have a strong desire to own a home, despite current disparities in homeownership rates for the groups, according to a Fannie Mae study.

"Our study gives us reason to believe that the homeownership rates for ethnic groups and immigrants will be higher than indicated solely by the projected growth of the racial and demographic population," said Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae vice president and chief economist. "We routinely conduct research like this to help us better understand the views of homeowners and renters across specific demographics so that we can provide the best support possible for the market."

Research found that if personal finances improve for these groups as their population grows, homeownership rate disparities may not persist. However, if homeownership rates by race and ethnicity remained constant at 2009 levels, projected homeownership would decline fairly steadily until 2050, according to the report.