There has been a lot written about the benefits of homeownership. One benefit that continues to rise to the top is the added wealth homeowners gain simply by paying their mortgage while their home increases in value over time.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently broke down the equity gained from price appreciation and principal payments in their Economists Outlook Blog. Homeowners who purchased their homes five years ago have already gained almost $80,000 in equity over that time with 80% of the gains coming from price appreciation.
For a homeowner who purchased their home 30 years ago, they have gained nearly $250,000 in equity with 70% coming from price increases. The full results can be seen in the chart below.

According to the Home Price Expectation Survey, a family who purchased a median priced home this January can expect to gain more than $42,000 over the next five years simply from price appreciation alone.
Bottom Line
Your home is one of the only investments you can live inside as you pay it off over time. If you are ready to use your housing costs to build wealth, let’s get together to discuss how to make your dream a reality.
Author: Monica Foster
"Love your work and you'll never work a day in your life" . . . for me, that statement says it all. I love what I do, helping others achieve their real estate goals with honesty, integrity and responsiveness. I am not just a real estate agent, I am a BROKER Associate, Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer Representative, Certified Home Marketing Specialist, Certified New Homes Specialist, Certified Distressed Property Expert, and Certified Negotiation Expert with RE/MAX Space Center and a REALTOR® - a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This means I work to a higher standard of education and professionalism that translates to an extra level of service for my clients. I closed over 100 transactions in 2013 and have received the Five Star Real Estate Agent award, a honor bestowed upon 7% of area realtors. Also, I have been featured in Forbes Magazine, Top Agent Magazine, Homes and Land Magazine, and I received the RE/MAX Hall of Fame award for career production. I also like to give back to the community and help others. I am a frequent contributor and sponsor for various charities including the Homes for Heroes Foundation, Communities in Schools Bay Area, March of Dimes, Children's Miracle Network, Kid's Wish Foundation, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Happy Hill Farm Academy, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.