Real terrors of homeownership come from neglect, not ghosts

Half of LGBTQ+ buyers in the U.S. say they have experienced or suspected discrimination when purchasing a home, a new survey commissioned by Gay Real Estate has found. This one number represents the reality behind one of life’s biggest milestones. In other words, buying a home is still not an equal journey for everyone.

Discrimination doesn’t just hurt feelings. It limits access to neighborhoods, delays purchasing decisions, and forces many to hide who they are in order to secure housing. These patterns reveal that LGBTQ+ people are being given added weight in a process that should be about opportunity and stability.

Gay Real Estate’s mission is to connect LGBTQ+ individuals with trusted agents who understand these challenges and provide supportive guidance throughout the purchasing process. To explore this, we created the LGBTQ+ Homeownership Index 2025. The index uses new survey data to uncover these challenges and show how identity impacts every step of the homebuying journey. From location choices to financing, here’s data highlighting both the barriers and resilience of LGBTQ+ buyers…

Discrimination shapes the homebuying journey

Discrimination does not always take place in obvious ways. Issues can surface during the initial phone call, during property viewings, or even while negotiating terms. For LGBTQ+ buyers, these moments are often enough to change their decision whether to proceed. in fact…

• 33% have experienced discrimination due to their LGBTQ+ identity during the home buying process.
• 17% suspected they were being discriminated against, but weren’t sure it was because of their identity.
• In total, this means half of LGBTQ+ buyers report experiencing or suspecting discrimination.

For many, this ongoing risk changes the way they approach each step of the process. Some people may be hesitant to inquire about a particular property, while others may stop negotiating if prejudice appears. These are not isolated grievances, but patterns that continue to impact housing access across the country.

Why so many people feel pressure to hide their identity

An astonishing 67% of LGBTQ+ people surveyed have hidden their identity, considered hiding it, have been pressured to hide their identity, or have limited disclosure of their identity while navigating the housing market. This can happen during property viewings, mortgage applications, and even casual conversations with landlords and neighbors.

This concealment is done not out of preference, but out of survival. LGTBQ+ homebuyers are weighing the risks of being open against the possibility of being rejected, directed elsewhere, or exposed to worse conditions. The reality is that many people feel they have to downplay who they are in order to secure something as basic as a home.

How discrimination limits neighborhood choice

Location is a deciding factor in real estate, but schools, commute times, and amenities aren’t the only things that matter to LGBTQ+ buyers. It’s also important whether you feel comfortable walking around town, holding hands with your partner, and participating in local life. Our findings demonstrate how deeply these considerations shape decision-making.

• 22% avoid certain areas due to fear of LGBTQ+ discrimination.
• 30% think they will avoid the area in the future for the same reason.
• 24% have at least considered avoiding certain areas.

Feelings of anxiety extend beyond the neighborhood. Eight in 10 people report experiencing at least some degree of discomfort or risk that causes them to change their behavior. This might mean avoiding nighttime viewings, skipping certain open houses, or limiting your search to areas that seem more welcoming.

politics, law, timing

The decision to buy a home is fraught with timing issues, including work, interest rates, and personal finances. For LGBTQ+ buyers, the political and legal climate can have an impact as well, with 24% reporting that they have put off purchasing a home and 17% saying they are considering postponing their home purchase due to these concerns. On top of this, 12% have even decided not to buy at all.

In total, 53% reported that the political or legal situation directly influenced when or whether they made a purchase. These delays are not a matter of decision-making ability, but of prudent risk management. Many people want assurance that their rights and investments will be protected before taking such an important financial step.

The cost of an LGBTQ-friendly neighborhood

For most people, cost is the biggest factor in choosing where to live, but three in five LGBTQ+ buyers are willing to pay more to live in an area they know is positive.

In total, 60% want the stability and predictability of a positive environment in exchange for financial savings. This is not treated as a luxury, but as a necessity that allows people to live more freely and fully in their own homes.

LGBTQ-friendly states and cities

Certain U.S. states and cities stand out when it comes to LGBTQ+-friendly places to buy a home. Our recent survey of 700 respondents revealed which areas LGBTQ+ potential homeowners are most concerned about.

California

California was cited most often by 17.6% of respondents. Home buyers here emphasize strong legal protections, vibrant communities, and housing availability. LGBTQ+ friendly real estate agents in California Timing and location are key factors in determining this.

new york

The Big Apple follows closely, with 16.7% of respondents naming the state. Buyers appreciate its comprehensive geography and wide selection. Agents experienced in supporting LGBTQ+ clientsmaking the process smoother and safer.

san francisco

At the city level, san francisco Mentioned by 9.7% of respondents. The city’s historic LGBTQ+ culture and welcoming community make it a top choice for those seeking both social connection and safe homeownership.

Los Angeles

LA has diverse neighborhoods and strong networks, as cited by 7% of respondents. Support from real estate professionalsgiving buyers confidence in their timing and choices.

atlanta

5% mentioned; atlanta Increasingly recognized in progressive neighborhoods and growing LGBTQ+ communities, it offers new options for LGBTQ+ homeownership in the South.

Why LGBTQ-friendly agents matter

Choosing a real estate agent is about more than market expertise. For LGBTQ+ buyers, it can also determine how comfortable they are with disclosing personal information, how they will be treated during negotiations, and whether subtle inducements will be avoided.

45% of respondents agreed that they would be more likely to choose an LGBTQ+-friendly real estate agent than a typical real estate agent, while 14% didn’t even realize it was an option but still expressed interest.

This means nearly 6 in 10 are actively seeking out or willing to work with an LGBTQ+ friendly agent like Gay Real Estate. For many, having experts working together means less risk of bias, more transparent conversations, and better overall outcomes.

Barriers to ownership

The study also reveals how multiple barriers work together to slow or prevent LGBTQ+ buyers from achieving homeownership. These barriers are not small inconveniences, but serious pressures that reduce options and slow progress. The main failures reported include:

• Concerns about harassment in certain areas.
• I have a hard time finding an LGBTQ+ friendly area within my budget.
• Lack of local legal protection.
• The need to hide or downplay one’s identity in order to secure housing.
• Direct discrimination from the seller, agent, or landlord.
• lack of inclusive schools and family resources;
• Access to healthcare.
• Facing negative housing experiences related to LGBTQ+ identity.

In total, 76% of communities report facing at least one barrier related to discrimination or identity.

pattern of events

Discrimination is not always obvious, but it can leave a mark on paper. Survey respondents reported harassment, exclusion, and unfavorable conditions at various stages of the purchasing process, including:

• Harassment, derogatory comments, or threats (9%).
• Being directed to or away from a certain area (7%).
• Discrimination by a landlord or property manager (5%).
• Discrimination by seller or real estate agent (5%)
• Denied viewing or possessions (4%)
• Offered worse terms, higher prices, or additional terms (4%)

Recognizing these patterns is the first step, but buyers should also document these incidents, keep written records, and work with an agent who can help escalate issues if necessary.

move forward with support

Purchasing a home is not just about property. It’s about belonging, stability, and being able to live authentically. The 2025 LGBTQ+ Homeownership Index shows how discrimination, concealment, and outside pressures continue to shape this journey, but it also highlights the resilience of those who navigate it.

At Gay Real Estate, we believe no one should have to sacrifice their identity to find the right home. Our network of LGBTQ+-friendly agents provides knowledgeable and reliable support from the first investigation to the final day.

Are you ready to start your home search with an agent who understands your needs? Connect with an LGBTQ+-friendly real estate agent today.

methodology

The survey of 700 people in the United States was commissioned by Gay Real Estate. All respondents were members of the LGBTQ+ community and provided real-life experiences and accurate results.

Learn more here GayRealEstate.com.