Introduction
The United States continues to lead the world in wealth generation, housing 37% of the global millionaire population and 34% of the world’s liquid private wealth, according to the USA Wealth Report 2025. As the U.S. remains a prime destination for wealth creation, savvy investors continue to turn to real estate as a key tool to build and preserve their fortunes. In this blog, we’ll explore how real estate investment, particularly through independent co-ownership models, can serve as a vital strategy for achieving wealth. The Congressional Budget Office has examined changes in the distribution of family wealth (a family’s assets minus its debts) from 1989 to 2022. Findings were recently released. Building on earlier work, CBO has used an expanded measure of wealth that includes families’ projected Social Security retirement and disability benefits.
- Total Wealth. Adjusted for inflation, the wealth held by families in the United States almost quadrupled between 1989 and 2022, rising from $52 trillion (in 2022 dollars) to $199 trillion, at an average rate of about 4 percent per year. In 2022, retirement assets and accrued Social Security benefits made up about 40 percent of wealth. Nonretirement financial assets, home equity, and other assets made up the rest.
- Concentration of Wealth. Over that 33-year period, family wealth was unevenly distributed, and that inequality increased. In 2022, families in the top 10 percent of the distribution held 60 percent of all wealth, up from 56 percent in 1989, and families in the top 1 percent of the distribution held 27 percent, up from 23 percent in 1989. The share of wealth held by the rest of the families in the top half of the distribution shrank from 37 percent to 33 percent over the same period. Families in the bottom half of the distribution held 6 percent of all wealth in both 1989 and 2022.
The Role of Real Estate in Wealth Building
Real estate has long been a cornerstone of wealth accumulation for millionaires across the globe. It offers stability, potential for appreciation, and the opportunity for substantial passive income through rentals. The U.S. market, with its robust economy and diverse property types, provides an ideal landscape for real estate investment.
- Stability and Appreciation: Real estate often appreciates over time, making it a solid long-term investment. U.S. cities like New York, San Francisco, and Miami have shown consistent growth in property values.
- Passive Income: Rental properties can generate steady income, which is crucial for wealth-building. The rental market in the U.S. is strong, with high demand in many urban and suburban areas.
The Rise of Co-Ownership
For those looking to enter the real estate market but facing high entry costs, co-ownership presents an innovative solution. Co-ownership allows multiple investors to pool their resources to purchase properties, making it more accessible and less risky.
- Lower Entry Costs: By sharing the cost of purchasing a property, co-ownership reduces the financial barrier to entry, making it feasible for more people to invest in real estate.
- Shared Risk: With multiple owners, the risk is spread out, which can be particularly appealing in volatile markets.
- Ease of Use: divieight streamlines the co-ownership process, from property selection to management, ensuring a hassle-free experience for investors.
- Community and Networking: divieight fosters a community of like-minded investors, providing opportunities for networking and shared learning.
- Access to High-Value Markets: Co-ownership allows investors to tap into high-value markets in the U.S., such as luxury vacation homes in Florida or ski resorts in Colorado, without the full financial commitment.
- Diversification: By co-owning properties in different regions, investors can diversify their portfolios, mitigating risks associated with market fluctuations.
Conclusion
As the USA Wealth Report 2025 indicates, the U.S. remains a powerhouse for wealth creation. Real estate investment, particularly through co-ownership models, offers a strategic pathway to join the ranks of millionaires. By leveraging the stability and potential of the U.S. real estate market, and utilizing innovative platforms, investors can unlock new opportunities for wealth building.