For Generation Z, the path to homeownership looks steeper than ever. A new Realtor.com survey of 1,000 adults ages 18 to 27 found that 82% believe buying a home presents greater difficulty for their generation than it was for those before, and nearly one in five (16%) rank housing affordability as one of their highest life concerns.
Despite those challenges, the study shows Gen Z hasn’t given up on owning a home entirely. About two-thirds (67%) say homeownership is an important lifetime goal, and 69% view real estate as an chance to build wealth. More than half (51%) also say it remains a central and core foundation of the American dream.
Rental Markets With a Rental Burden Above 30% of Income (0-2 Bedrooms)–September 2025
| Rank | Metros | September 2025 Median Asking Rent | September 2025 Rent Share of Income | Percentage Point Changes (Sep. 2025 vs. 2024) | Maximum Affordable Rent at Current HH Income | September 2025 Rent vs. Max Affordable Rent (Ratio) |
| 1 | Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | $2,298 | 37.1% | -3.3 ppt | $1,857 | 1.24 |
| 2 | Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $2,821 | 37.0% | -1.4 ppt | $2,285 | 1.23 |
| 3 | New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $2,903 | 36.7% | -0.9 ppt | $2,374 | 1.22 |
| 4 | Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $2,944 | 32.3% | -0.7 ppt | $2,732 | 1.08 |
| 5 | San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $2,703 | 31.5% | -3.4 ppt | $2,577 | 1.05 |
That focus on finances defines much of Gen Z’s mindset. While 46% of respondents reported feeling somewhat ready to buy a house, only 36% considered themselves financially ready. Nearly half (49.5%) said career advancement is their top personal goal in life, ranking it ahead of buying a home, marriage, or children.
Gender differences also emerged, with the findings indicating that 52% of Gen Z women said advancing in their careers was their first priority, compared with 45% of men. Conversely, 24% of men ranked buying a house first, compared with 19% of women.
“Gen Z has grown up during a time of rapid change in the housing market, and they’re approaching homeownership with clear eyes,” according to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com. “They know affordability is a major hurdle, but they’re not giving up on the dream of owning a home. Instead, they’re adapting, focusing on career growth, saving early, and being realistic about what they can afford.”
Top 5 Most Affordable Rental Markets (0-2 Bedrooms)–September 2025
| Rank | Market | September 2025 Median Asking Rent | September 2025 Rent Share of Income | Percentage Point Changes (Sep. 2025 vs. 2024) | Maximum Affordable Rent at Current HH Income | September 2025 Rent vs. Max Affordable Rent (Ratio) |
| 1 | Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, Texas | $1,411 | 16.5% | -2.8 ppt | $2,560 | 0.55 |
| 2 | Oklahoma City | $1,007 | 16.9% | -1.0 ppt | $1,788 | 0.56 |
| 3 | Raleigh-Cary, NC | $1,476 | 18.0% | -2.3 ppt | $2,453 | 0.60 |
| 4 | Columbus, Ohio | $1,217 | 18.1% | -0.6 ppt | $2,012 | 0.60 |
| 5 | Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $1,511 | 18.7% | -1.1 ppt | $2,421 | 0.62 |
Affordability remains the biggest barrier. Eighty-two percent said a more lucrative job would make them more eager to buy, and 80% said they would be more motivated if homes were more affordable. Over half expressed serious concern about future housing costs, while just 10% said they weren’t worried.
Even with these challenges, Gen Z is preparing. About 33% of those hoping to buy have already started putting funds to the side for a down payment, expecting they’ll need roughly $54,500. Many are turning to practical strategies like taking a second job, asking for a raise, or relocating to cheaper markets. One thing is clear: They are determined to make their homeownership dreams a reality, despite the painfully obvious obstacles.
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