Despite the weakness in the housing markets and the overall economic malaise, only 9% of American homeowners say their houses are worth less today than when they were purchased. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 80% of the nation’s homeowners say their homes have increased in value since they were purchased. Ten percent (10%) say their homes are worth about as much today as when they were purchased.

This general perception of increasing home values is found across all partisan and demographic lines. There is no measured segment of the population where fewer than 70% believe their homes have increased in value.

Eighty-one percent (81%) of homeowners are somewhat or very confident they know how much their home is worth in today’s market.

Among all adults nationwide, 79% say that buying a home is a good investment for most people to make. Only 9% disagree.

Younger adults are even more upbeat than their elders about the prospects of home ownership. Eighty-five percent (85%) of those under 40 believe buying a home is a good investment. That view is shared by 77% of those aged 40-64 and 70% of those over 65.

Eighty-six percent (86%) of Investors and 72% of non-Investors agree that buying a home is a good investment (Investors are defined as those who own at least $5,000 worth of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds).

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