Financial barriers may be driving the decline in homeownership.  Nearly half of renters say their credit or finances prevent them from buying a home, according to Zillow. 

 Recent surveys reveal that 16% of renters can't qualify for a home loan and 18% can't afford taxes, maintenance and other costs associated with homeownership.  Furthermore, 13% don't have enough savings for a down payment and nearly a quarter say they struggle to pay rent.  For those who buy, the length of time it takes to break even on a home purchase has increased when compared to renting the same house - with a national average of 1.9 years to come out ahead.

  But despite fiscal obstacles, 205 of renters say they simply prefer to rent.