Will Gen Z Knock the Competition Out of the Starter Home Market?

Though most of Generation Z are still a long way from being able to afford a home, real estate news points to this age group of home buyers as soon to be driving the market. Surpassing Millennials, Generation Z, born in the late 1990s and early 2000s, is entering the home-buying arena with rose-colored glasses and may soon be outpacing their Gen Y cohorts in home sales.

How Hot are Gen Z Buyers to Purchase Homes?
According to a recent report by the National Association of Realtors…

57% of Generation Z renters are confident that they will own their own home, compared to 55% of Millennials.
97% of Gen Z believe they will own a home in the future.
82% tout home ownership as the most important factor in achieving the American Dream.

Break Out the Boxing Gloves
Gen Z buyers, however, will face one of the most competitive housing markets in history, challenging not only Millennials, but Gen X-ers emerging from the rental market after losing a home to the property market crash of 2008. With nearly three-quarters of homeowners over 55 hunkering down in their empty nests, and a 17% year-over-year decline in the supply of starter homes, emerging victorious may prove to be a struggle.

Who’s Got the Edge?
Despite the competition, Gen Z’s fast-moving tendencies may push them to the head of the pack. In the rental market, this age group tops the charts in speed of searching – and applying for housing, submitting 3.1 applications on average to the 2.6 applications of Millennials, 2.4 for X-ers, and 2.2 for Boomers. This tendency, likely supported by Generation Z’s romance with technology, may offer them a competitive advantage as they enter the market in coming years.

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