The typical minimum property ownership duration required to buy a house in the United States is 2 years. This duration is often set by lenders as a way to ensure that borrowers have established a stable financial history and have made consistent mortgage payments. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), lenders may require a minimum of 2 years of property ownership to qualify for certain mortgage products, such as refinancing or purchasing a new home. This requirement is based on the assumption that a longer tenure demonstrates financial responsibility and stability.

The rationale behind this requirement stems from the desire of lenders to mitigate risk. By requiring a minimum of 2 years of property ownership, lenders can assess the borrower's ability to maintain a mortgage over a longer period. Data from the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances indicates that homeowners who have owned their properties for at least 2 years tend to have lower default rates compared to those who have owned their properties for less time. This is because longer ownership periods allow lenders to evaluate the borrower's financial health and creditworthiness more accurately.

Additionally, the 2-year rule helps lenders to comply with regulatory requirements. For instance, the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act (HOEPA) of 1994 mandates that lenders consider a borrower's ability to repay the loan over the long term. By requiring a minimum of 2 years of property ownership, lenders can better assess this ability by looking at the borrower's history of mortgage payments and financial stability.

It's important to note that while the 2-year rule is common, it is not an absolute requirement for all mortgage products. Some lenders may have different criteria or may be willing to consider borrowers with shorter ownership periods, especially if they have strong financial histories and credit scores. Furthermore, certain government-backed loans, such as those through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), may have different requirements or may not require a minimum ownership period at all.

In conclusion, the typical minimum property ownership duration for buying a house in the United States is 2 years, a rule set by lenders to mitigate risk and ensure financial stability. This duration is based on data showing lower default rates among homeowners with longer ownership periods and is intended to comply with regulatory requirements. However, exceptions may exist depending on the lender and the specific mortgage product.