A growing number of Americans are becoming millionaires—but not in the way most people assume.
According to a recent analysis from A Wealth of Common Sense, a huge share of U.S. wealth is now tied up in home equity, not cash or liquid investments. Millions of households are “millionaires on paper” primarily because of the homes they own — not because of stock portfolios or venture exits.
That’s a powerful reminder of something the public rarely says out loud, but builders already know:
Homebuilding is one of the most significant wealth-creation engines in America. And builders are the ones enabling it.
Even though much of that wealth is illiquid—locked in equity rather than spendable cash—it shows that residential real estate remains one of the strongest paths to long-term financial security. That’s not an accident. It’s the result of builders taking on risk, navigating regulations, securing capital, and getting homes in the ground.
The takeaway for builders?
You’re not just supplying housing. You’re building generational wealth for families—and reshaping the financial trajectory of entire communities.
And as America continues to age, move, and grow, the demand for equity-building opportunities — not just “shelter” — will only increase.
→ Read the full breakdown on A Wealth of Common Sense
