Renovate or Relocate? As Homeownership Slips out of Reach, Kitchen Remodeling Leads the Way

According to the National Association of Home Builders, home prices have risen 53% since 2019, while median household income has increased by only 24% in the same time frame. This has lowered the percentage of first-time homebuyers, which dropped to 21% in 2025, notably lower than 44% in 1981.

Even in a constrained housing market, data shows kitchen renovations remain resilient. These fast facts from the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) share how homeowners are researching and purchasing for kitchen remodels so retailers can craft effective messaging to bring those customers into your store and stock the products they need to make their kitchen renovations a reality.