Homeownership has always been a milestone, but for Gen-Z, it’s becoming both a challenge and a mission. Born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, this group is now entering peak homebuying age, and despite high prices and rising interest rates, they’re not backing down. Instead, they’re rewriting the playbook on how to buy a home in today’s market.

In 2025, 90% of Gen-Z say they want to buy a home someday, but only 26% have done it so far—and that number hasn’t moved since 2023. Even worse, 82% of those who haven’t bought yet believe they never will. The biggest obstacle? Affordability. Nearly half (47%) say home prices are just too high, while 75% say the cost of living is eating away at their ability to save for a down payment. 26% say they literally have $0 saved for a home. And by literally, we mean “literally, literally”.

How Gen-Z Homebuyers Are Finding Creative Ways to Afford Homes

Despite feeling priced out, Gen-Z isn’t giving up. They’re making it happen by getting creative with finances. About 30% are taking second jobs just to boost their savings, and 22% are teaming up with siblings to co-buy . Fixer-uppers are also trending, with 36% of Gen-Z buyers choosing homes that need work. Among them, 75% are handling some or all of the renovations themselves. DIY FTW.

Seriously, Gen-Z buyers see sweat equity as a real path to wealth-building. Many are choosing starter homes in need of work, tackling projects like new flooring, painting, and landscaping themselves instead of hiring out. By putting in the effort, they’re not only making ownership affordable but also building instant equity in their properties. Speaking of equity, finances are the biggest hurdle for any generation, but this generation in particular is finding new ways around the traditional barriers. Down payment assistance programs, FHA loans, and even gift funds from family are all tools Gen-Z is using to get in the game. Some are experimenting with nontraditional loans or asking sellers to cover part of their closing costs to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Gen-Z Homebuying Research and Tech Habits

For a generation used to instant gratification, Gen-Z isn’t rushing when it comes to buying their home. The majority of Gen-Z renters planning to buy are waiting for interest rates to drop before making a move. This generation is known for research. 73% say they use social media to find advice, listings, and agent recommendations .

Unlike previous generations who may have leaned heavily on a single real estate agent from the start, Gen-Z is consuming information everywhere first. They’re checking TikTok for renovation hacks, following YouTube investors to understand financing strategies, and using Reddit threads to read candid reviews about neighborhoods and agents. Technology is also at the center of Gen-Z’s buying journey. They’re the first generation to grow up fully digital, and that’s showing in how they shop for homes. Virtual tours, 3D floor plans, and AI-driven search tools are all must-haves. If a listing doesn’t have high-quality photos and a virtual walk-through, most Gen-Z buyers will skip it. They’re also prioritizing apps that help them track mortgage rates, estimate monthly payments, and even connect with local contractors.

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Lifestyle, Location, and Value-Driven Choices

While Gen-Z faces higher barriers than any recent generation, they’re proving that buying a home in 2025 is still possible. They’re working more hours, cutting back on spending, exploring alternative loans, and picking up power tools when needed. Compared to millennials, who were heavily impacted by the 2008 housing crash and often delayed homeownership into their 30s, Gen-Z is more determined to buy early. Their approach may be different (aka more cautious, more creative, and more digitally driven) but their urgency is clear. Gen-Z isn’t just buying homes anywhere. They’re being strategic about location.

Many are moving farther from big cities into suburban or secondary markets where prices are more manageable. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are fueling this shift, giving buyers the flexibility to prioritize affordability and lifestyle over commute times. In Florida, for example, Gen-Z buyers are more likely to move to areas like Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, and South Florida where affordability still exists compared to Miami’s core neighborhoods.

What Real Estate Agents Need to Know About Gen-Z Buyers

Gen-Z’s redefining what it means to buy a home in 2025. From side hustles and co-buying to embracing fixer-uppers and leaning on technology, they’re proving that determination and strategy can overcome even the toughest market conditions. By pooling resources, they’re able to qualify for larger mortgages and reduce the financial burden.

For real estate agents, the message is simple: adapt to how Gen-Z shops, or risk being left behind. Agents who embrace social media, provide transparent advice, and understand this generation’s financial creativity will be the ones who win their trust.