A recent poll conducted by Iran International on Instagram revealed that 44% of respondents would not purchase a home in Iran even if they could afford it. The poll, which included around 20,400 participants, indicated that economic insecurity, plans to emigrate, and concerns about wealth retention were significant factors influencing this decision. Approximately half of the respondents expressed a willingness to buy a home.
The demographic breakdown showed that 67% of participants were men and 33% were women. The largest age group represented was individuals aged 25 to 34, making up 36.6% of respondents, followed by those aged 35 to 44 at 30.1%. Participants aged 45 to 54 accounted for 12.8%, while those aged 18 to 24 made up 11.4%.
Many comments from participants highlighted their reasons for not wanting to invest in property, including attachment to Iran, hopes for political change, and economic hardship. One respondent stated, "If I had enough money, I wouldn't be in Iran at all," reflecting a desire to leave rather than invest further in the country. Another noted that having sufficient funds would mean having a better life abroad.
This sentiment aligns with findings from a previous poll where 83% of participants indicated they would leave Iran if given the opportunity. That poll had around 100,000 participants within 24 hours, with many citing economic issues and social restrictions as reasons for wanting to emigrate.
In the latest poll, some respondents expressed concerns about insecurity, sanctions, inflation, and power outages, preferring to invest their money in more stable countries. One participant described the ideal home environment as needing safety and peace of mind, stating, "A home needs a blue sky above it... and peace of mind because you feel safe."
The trend of seeking alternative forms of wealth preservation was noted, with some participants indicating a preference for gold or foreign currency over property due to liquidity and ease of transfer. The Associated Press reported a shift towards "portable wealth" during periods of instability, while the World Gold Council noted increased demand for gold in Iran in 2025.
The poll results come amid high inflation in Iran, with the Statistical Center reporting a year-on-year inflation rate of nearly 88% in July. For those who indicated a willingness to buy a home, attachment to Iran and a sense of national identity were significant motivators. Some respondents linked home ownership to personal history and family connections, stating, "Iran is our mother; you don't abandon your mother when times are difficult."
Others expressed that their willingness to purchase a home was contingent on political change and improvements in the country’s circumstances. Some respondents questioned the feasibility of home ownership, citing daily struggles with basic necessities and describing the aspiration to own a home as increasingly unattainable. One respondent remarked, "We are renters, and we'll take the dream of buying a home to the grave." The findings follow another poll in which 90% of respondents stated they did not wish to marry or have children.