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ccording to a recent Realtor.com® survey of 1,000 U.S. adults aged 18‑27, 82 % say buying a home is tougher for their generation than it was for previous ones, and 16 % rank housing affordability among their top worries. Despite these hurdles, 67 % still regard owning a home as a key life goal, 69 % see real estate as a wealth‑building avenue, and 51 % believe it remains part of the American dream. Yet only 36 % feel financially ready to purchase, even though 46 % feel at least somewhat prepared.

    Career advancement tops the list of milestones, with 49.5 % of respondents placing it before a house, marriage, or children. Women (52 %) are slightly more likely than men (45 %) to prioritize career progress, while 23.7 % of men and 19.4 % of women list buying a home first. Most (82 %) say a higher‑paying job would spark a stronger desire to buy, and 80 % would consider purchasing if affordability improved.

    Nearly three‑quarters are actively saving for a down payment, estimating a target of $54,500 on average—well above the national Q4 2024 average of $30,250 but below the typical 20 % of a median $425,000 home ($85,000). About one‑third have taken on a second job or side hustle, and a quarter have moved or plan to move to a cheaper market. Fewer rely on family loans, crypto, or speculative stocks, indicating a preference for steady, low‑risk approaches.

    When asked what matters most, 33 % cite the ideal price, 18.5 % the right size, and 17.9 % the location. The most common bedroom count is three (44.5 %), with 90 % favoring 2‑4 rooms. Regarding purchase strategy, 43 % intend to buy a permanent home, 30 % will start with a starter property and upgrade later, and only 10 % view it primarily as an investment.

    Gen Z is entering a market marked by high prices, steep mortgage rates, and shifting lifestyle priorities. Their strategy blends realism, determination, and financial prudence: focus on career growth, save early, and plan strategically. For the housing sector, this translates into a cohort of buyers who are pragmatic, patient, and ready to make homeownership work on their own terms.

    The survey sampled 1,000 U.S. Gen Z adults (18‑27) in October 2025, all of whom own or intend to own a home. Margin of error: ±3.1 %.