The increased role of animals in real estate

According to the American Pet Products Association (Appa), 71% of American households now have a pet, a significant increase of 56% in 1988.

In the meantime, US Census Bureau Data reveals a sharp fall in households with children. In 1950, 52% of families had children under the age of 18. That number fell to 39% in 2024.

The trend is reflected even more strongly in the statistics of the Thuisbuying. In 1985, 58% of home buyers had children under the age of 18 at home. In 2024, that figure fell to 27% – the lowest on record, Lautz said.

“The birth rates have generally fallen and a large part of the households of Baby Boomer has already seen their children leave the nest,” she added.

At the same time, Americans not only take more pets, they spend more time and money on them.

The US Bureau or Labor Statistics‘American Time Use Survey showed that the percentage of Americans spending time with pets every day increased from 13.2% in 2003 to 20.4% in 2023. For women, that number is up to 23.8%. The average time spent with pets also increased – from 0.62 hours in 2003 to 0.73 hours in 2023.

Financial investments have kept pace. Pet expenditure in the US increased from $ 53.3 billion in 2012 to $ 152 billion in 2024, according to the Appa. Dogs and cats remain the most common pets of households.

These shifts change how people choose their houses. Among recent home buyers, about one in five considered their pet in selecting a neighborhood. Lautz said that the number rises to 24% in unmarried couples, compared to 17% of single women, 15% of the married couples and 12% of the single men.

Buyers who gave their pets priority in their neighborhood choice also had a better chance of looking for functions such as the proximity of veterinarians, parks, outdoor space and walkability. Many opted for houses with larger plots or area.

“It is not only people who want these neighborhood characteristics, but the pets themselves need that space to run and play,” said Lautz.