The majority of Americans, both current homeowners and renters, want to own a home and to maintain homeownership, despite the current housing market, according to a new study from Fannie Mae.

More than half (51 percent) of current homeowners and renters say the housing crisis has not affected their overall willingness to buy a home, according to the study. Even though homeownership aspirations are high for the long-term, Americans do have near-term doubts about buying. Demographic trends such as fewer married couples and less families with children resulting in shrinking households – combined with financial caution among consumers – are contributing to an increased willingness to rent.

The third quarter survey’s findings include:

• One-third of Americans (33 percent) would be more likely to rent their next home than buy, up from 30 percent in January 2010.
• Among renters, 59 percent would continue to rent in their next move, compared to 54 percent in January 2010.

"Despite Americans’ strong desire to own their homes, our study reveals that life events are greatly influencing families’ decision to rent," said Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae vice president and chief economist. "This trend, coupled with the housing crisis, has caused consumers to approach homeownership with greater caution and thoughtfulness."