Brief Is Limited English Proficiency a Barrier to Homeownership?
Edward Golding, Laurie Goodman, Sarah Strochak
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This brief reports on research which establishes that limited English proficiency is an additional barrier to homeownership. The researchers first define and identify the 5.3 million heads of household in the United States with limited English proficiency (LEP). Using descriptive analysis and regression models, they then determine that, at the zip code level, higher rates of LEP are associated with lower homeownership rates. Specifically, if the other factors that influence homeownership (e.g., income, age, and race or ethnicity) are controlled for, communities with the highest concentrations of LEP residents have homeownership rates 5 percentage points lower than communities with the median concentration of LEP residents. In other words, limited English proficiency is an additional barrier to homeownership.

Research Areas Race and equity Immigration Housing finance Housing
Tags Racial and ethnic disparities Housing markets Immigrant communities demographics and trends Housing and the economy Homeownership Immigrant children, families, and communities Immigrant communities and racial equity Racial barriers to housing Racial homeownership gap
Policy Centers Housing Finance Policy Center