Homeowners fear a natural disaster could wipe out home or force them to relocate
Climate change has made most Americans see owning a home as riskier than it was 10 years ago.
A recent survey from Clever Offers, a platform under Clever Real Estate, found that 68% of Americans believe climate change and natural disasters have heightened the risks associated with owning a home.
The survey, which polled 1,000 Americans from June 12-13, 2025, revealed that 65% worry about an increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters in their area. Only 7% felt their homes were fully prepared for a disaster.
Sixty-one percent (61%) of homeowners fear a natural disaster could destroy their home, and nearly half (48%) worry they may need to relocate due to climate risks.
Just over a quarter (26%) expressed confidence that their homes are safe from future climate threats, while 11% admitted they lacked a clear understanding of local climate risks.
Climate concerns affect the housing market
The impact of these anxieties is visible in purchasing decisions. Nearly 7 in 10 homeowners (69%) said they considered disaster risk when buying their home.
Among non-homeowners, 46% said climate change has made them reconsider whether buying a home is practical.
About a third (35%) have ruled out certain locations due to climate or disaster risks, with California, Florida, and Texas topping the list of states to avoid.
Tornadoes (31%), wildfires (26%), and hurricanes (16%) ranked as the most feared disasters.
In 2024, the US experienced 27 climate disasters causing $1 billion or more in damages, or 21% above the long-term average. Catastrophe claims accounted for 42% of all claims, while catastrophic losses soared to 64%, both marking seven-year highs.
Premiums for safety, but risk remains
Despite the risks, some buyers remain undeterred. While 74% would pay more for a home protected from local climate threats and 63% would pay a premium to live in a low-risk area, a significant minority (35%) would still consider buying in high-risk areas—especially if the price is right.
Nearly half (48%) said a steep discount could convince them, but 39% insisted no discount is worth the risk. As the market adapts, 30% of respondents expect a shortage of “climate-safe” areas within the next decade.
US home insurance carriers faced their most challenging year in recent memory, as the 10th annual LexisNexis US Home Trends Report revealed a dramatic surge in catastrophic claims and peril severity. The report, drawing on extensive claims data, showed that all peril severity increased 9% between 2023 and 2024, the highest in seven years.
Meanwhile, a Realtor.com survey found that 75% of buyers worry insurance could soon be unaffordable, and nearly half have already had trouble getting or renewing coverage.
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