Homeownership is a key tool for building wealth and housing stability. But a homeowner’s ability to build wealth and have safe housing can be undermined by a home’s physical inadequacy. Properties considered physically inadequate typically correspond with lower property values, limiting the wealth that households can generate through homeownership.

A property’s physical inadequacy can refer to its lack of structural soundness. But it can also refer to the risk of overcrowding. In both cases, Hispanic homeowners are more likely to live in physically inadequate properties. We highlight recommendations that can help homeowners access the financial resources needed to rehabilitate, renovate, and add additional space to their homes.