Man pushing house against a trending arrow with money falling out
  • More and more "forever renters" are giving up on buying a home or choosing not to own one.
  • Renters have more flexibility and avoid ownership costs but aren't building home equity.
  • We asked four experts why the trend is on the wise — and whether it's a shrewd move.

Owning a home has been the keystone of the American dream for generations, but a growing number of people expect to rent one their entire lives.

These "forever renters" vary widely in their reasons for not pursuing home ownership.