Generation Z (Gen Z) is eager to put down their own roots and achieve financial independence. As a result, they’re turning to
homeownership. According to the latest
Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report from the
National Association of Realtors (NAR), 30% of Gen Z buyers transitioned straight from living under their parents' roofs to owning their own homes.
If you’re a member of this generation, and you’re interested in pursuing your own
dream of homeownership, here’s some information you may find helpful on why and where your peers are buying.
The Reasons Gen Z Want To Become Homeowners
A recent survey by
Rocket Mortgage identifies some of the top
motivators driving Gen Z buyers to purchase a home:
“Of those surveyed, 34% said that starting or growing their family was their main motivation to buy a home. . . . Along with growing a family comes establishing a home base.”
Another key reason the survey says Gen Z wants to buy is because
homeownership can give them more stability (20.8%). That’s because buying a home allows you to stabilize what’s typically your biggest monthly expense: your housing cost.
When you have a fixed-rate mortgage on your home, you can lock in your monthly payment for the duration of your loan, often 15 to 30 years. If you keep renting, you don’t have that same benefit, and you won’t be protected from rising housing costs.
So, if you’re ready to start a new chapter in your life or if you’re craving more
stability, know that your peers feel the same way, and those motivators are why they’re turning to
homeownership.
Gen Z's Next Stop: Where Are They Making Their Moves?
If those reasons have you feeling ready to buy, here’s some information on
where your peers are finding their homes that could help you with
your search. According to a recent
Lending Tree survey, Gen Z buyers are focusing on more affordable areas to help boost their buying power and offset the challenges that come with today’s
mortgage rates.
Many Gen Z buyers still want the convenience and excitement of city life, but also value the affordability, open air, and space more suburban areas offer. Jacob Channel, Senior Economist at
LendingTree,
explains:
“
. . . they want to live in a city, but they also want to be close to nature.”
Locating a home that offers both of those things requires expertise. Working with a trusted
real estate professional can help you find a home in your budget and desired area. Your agent will know the most affordable neighborhoods to search in. They can also highlight the amenities and features that location offers and how those are aligned with
your goals. They’ll also be able to walk you through how things like
remote work can help you cast a broader net for
your search.
Bottom Line
If you’re a member of Gen Z and are just getting started on your homebuying journey, or if you want to learn more about the process, let’s connect. That way, you have a guide to help you find a home that fits both your lifestyle and your budget.