Hispanics are an overriding force in homeownership, flouting national figures as they establish owner households at a rising rate for the second straight year.

According to the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals’ (NAHREP) recently released 2016 State of Hispanic Homeownership Report, the Hispanic homeownership rate increased to 46 percent last year, leading an against-the-trend charge in spite of a decreasing national rate. The Hispanic homeownership rate was 45.6 percent in 2015 and 45.4 percent in 2014.

In addition, more than 7.3 million Hispanic households owned their homes in 2016, with 330,000 new households added—38 percent of all households formed.

What drivers are compelling Hispanics toward homeownership? Owning a home, for one, remains a hallmark of their American Dream. The majority of Hispanics view homeownership as a viable investment vehicle for wealth-building, as well as ideal for child-rearing.