Young Adult Homeowners Have it Better Than Their Parents (2024)

Today’s 25-year-olds have it better than their parents when it comes to homeownership: Almost 30% of those young adults owned their homes in 2022, more their Gen X parents achieved when they were 25, according to a report by brokerage Redfin.

People who came of age during the pandemic benefitted from a confluence of economic tides: low mortgage rates, an abundance of available jobs, and the ability to work remotely that means they can buy homes in affordable areas. On top of that, the government paused student loan repayments and some of them moved in with their parents during the pandemic—two reasons they've saved money for down payments.

Key Takeaways

  • Almost 30% of 25-year-olds owned their homes in 2022, a higher percentage than their Gen X parents at the same age.
  • Gen Z buyers had low interest rates, and work from home freed them to buy outside of major coastal cities.
  • Those advantages are disappearing, with rates rising and more companies insisting on in-office work.

People between the ages of 19 to 25 "were part of the pandemic-driven homebuying frenzy," Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather said in the report. "While the oldest of their generation had just graduated college when the pandemic started and hadn’t started building up their bank accounts, they had some financial advantages."

A typical mortgage rate for homebuyers under 25 using a conventional loan was 3.3% in 2020 and 3.1% in 2021, according to Redfin. Rates and home prices have jumped in the past year, however, meaning those buying patterns may not continue.

In 2021, a 25-year-old’s median monthly mortgage payment was $1,013, which amounts to 16% of their $74,900 median income. That’s on par with what 25-year-olds in 1990 paid for a mortgage in relation to their income, the report said. Back then, a young adult had a median $904 monthly loan payment—or 16% of their $69,419 median income, when adjusted for inflation.

The youngest homebuyers–in the age group known as Generation Z-had some other advantages in recent years. Homebuyers without children could focus on smaller houses, and not insist on being in a particular neighborhood or school district. The rise of remote work made their choices even more geographically flexible, to places outside big coastal cities where homes are relatively more affordable.

People under the age of 25 bought about 9% of the primary homes that sold in Virginia Beach last year, a bigger share than anywhere else in the country, Redfin said. Cincinnati was second, with 8.5% of its homebuyers last year under the age of 25. The share in Detroit was 7.9% and in St. Louis, 7.5%

In each of those metros, the typical home bought by member of Generation Z sold for $255,000 or less in 2022.

Young adults who missed the buying window may be shut out of the market.

"Gen Zers who don’t yet own homes face several obstacles and may fall behind," the report said."Low mortgage rates helped some Gen Zers buy homes with relatively low incomes over the last few years, but many are priced out now that rates are above 6% and home prices remain well
above
pre-pandemic levels."

Young Adult Homeowners Have it Better Than Their Parents (2024)

FAQs

Young Adult Homeowners Have it Better Than Their Parents? ›

Today's 25-year-olds have it better than their parents when it comes to homeownership: Almost 30% of those young adults owned their homes in 2022, more their Gen X parents achieved when they were 25, according to a report by brokerage Redfin.

What age do most people get their own house? ›

In the US, first-time homebuyers are, on average, 33 years old. The average age of homebuyers overall is 47.

What do you think is the average age for adults to buy their first home? ›

In 2022, the average age of first-time homebuyers was 36, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This is up from 33 in 2021.

Why is it so hard for millennials to buy a house? ›

Key Takeaways. Millennials are not buying homes as readily as the previous generation. Delaying marriage and having children is keeping many Millennials at home with their parents. Tighter lending criteria can also make homeownership unaffordable or virtually impossible for those without much credit history.

What percentage of Gen Z own a home? ›

Overall, 26% of adult Gen Zers own their home. That's compared with 79% of baby boomers, the highest share of any generation, followed by Gen X (71%) and millennials (52%).

What age do most people pay off their mortgage? ›

While the average age borrowers expect to pay off their mortgage is 59, the number of survey participants who have no idea when they will pay it off at all stood at 16%. In 2019, 9% of those asked didn't know and in 2020, 11% gave this answer.

What percent of 25 year olds own a home? ›

Almost 30% of 25-year-olds own their own homes, a higher percentage than their parents at the same age.

What is the average age of first time mothers? ›

One factor impacting the birth rate is the age at which women first become mothers. And the mean reached a high of 27.3 years in 2021, up from 27.1 in 2020.

What age do most people buy first property? ›

Before the pandemic, the average age of a first-time buyer was 32, based on analysis of Land Registry data and figures from comparison website GetAgent's partner estate agents.

Is 45 too old to buy a house? ›

While you're never too old to buy your dream home, there are some things to consider before making your purchase. See more real estate pictures. As you get closer to retirement age, it might feel like it's too late to buy a home. While this might be true in some cases, there are times when it still makes sense to buy.

Will Gen Z ever be able to afford a house? ›

Of Gen Zers currently saving money, 56.2% are saving for their first home. The majority of Gen Z (79.8%) believe they can only afford a home that costs less than $200,000. Only 6.9% of Gen Zers believe they can afford a home over $500,000 in their desired timeframe.

What type of homes do millennials want? ›

The majority of millennials likely grew up with smart technology and are looking for homes that come with smart features such as smart locks, home security, automatic lighting, and Nest thermostats. They want to be able to control their heating and cooling system, as well as appliances, with an app. Updated kitchen.

How is anyone supposed to afford a house? ›

Stick to the 28/36 Rule

No matter how you finance your home purchase, most experts agree that people should not spend more than 28% of their gross income on housing expenses, and no more than 36% on debt. For example, if you earn $5,000 each month, your ideal mortgage payment should be no more than $1,400 per month.

What generation owns the most homes in the US? ›

WASHINGTON (March 28, 2023) – The share of baby boomers has surpassed millennials and now makes up the largest generation of home buyers, according to the latest study from the National Association of Realtors®.

What is Gen Z average income? ›

Gen Z says they require an average salary of $171,633 to feel financially healthy — the highest income compared to older generations — according to a 2022 survey from personal finance company Personal Capital and retirement plan provider Empower, conducted by The Harris Poll.

What is the cutoff for millennials? ›

Anyone born between 1981 and 1996 (ages 23 to 38 in 2019) is considered a Millennial, and anyone born from 1997 onward is part of a new generation.

Can a 70 year old get a 30-year mortgage? ›

Can a 70-year-old choose between a 15- and a 30-year mortgage? Absolutely. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act's protections extend to your mortgage term. Mortgage lenders can't deny you a specific loan term on the basis of age.

Will a bank give a 75 year old a mortgage? ›

A lender generally can't deny your loan application or charge you higher interest rates or fees because of your age. This rule applies to various types of lenders when they're deciding whether to give credit, such as an auto loan, credit card, mortgage, student loan, or small business loan.

How much do I need to retire if my house is paid off? ›

One rule of thumb is that you'll need 70% of your pre-retirement yearly salary to live comfortably. That might be enough if you've paid off your mortgage and are in excellent health when you kiss the office good-bye.

What percentage of Americans never own a home? ›

64% of Americans own real estate. 35% of the American population does not own their own homes.

What percent of Americans fully own their home? ›

Top Home Ownership Statistics In America: 65.8% of Americans own a home as of 2022. Some 74 million Americans, or about 27%, live in a condo or HOA property.

How many Americans own 2 homes? ›

How Many Homes in the U.S. are Second Homes? Through our analysis we found that there are at least 2.64 million second homes in the U.S. that are for seasonal, recreational, or occasional use. How many homes are there in the United States?

What is the ideal motherhood age? ›

Experts say the peak reproductive years for women are the late 20s and the early 30s. And conceiving after 35 is medically termed as 'advanced maternal age', which involves issues, thereby making one's pregnancy risky. Ageing is a natural process, but the ovarian reserve starts to decline once a woman reaches mid-30s.

What is the average age of death? ›

For example, a baby born in the US in 2021 has an estimated life expectancy of about 76 years, according to the latest report from the National Center for Health Statistics. Our life expectancy varies depending on our current age, sex, race and ethnicity, and where in the US we live.

What is the best age for a man to have his first child? ›

The age where a man is most fertile is between 22 and 25 years. It is suggested to have children before the age of 35. After this age, the male fertility begins to worsen. After 35, the sperm might result in pregnancies where mutations can occur.

Is it wise to buy a house at age 55? ›

Buying a home after 55 is a major decision that is sure to impact your retirement. While some financial companies will give out loans to older buyers, most are wary of this for several reasons. According to personal finance expert David Ning, it's unwise to get a new 30-year fixed mortgage in your 50s.

Is it smart to buy a house at 20 years old? ›

Is it smart to buy a house in my 20s? Yes, it is smart to buy a house at any age if you've done your homework. Homeownership can bring both risks and rewards. So before you start house hunting, put yourself in position to succeed: Work on your credit profile and start saving up some money.

What age do Millennials buy house? ›

The average millennial bought their first home at 34, slightly older than the average age of past generations, when boomers took the keys at 33 and Gen X at 32.

What age should you be debt free? ›

The Standard Route. The Standard Route is what credit companies and lenders recommend. If this is the graduate's choice, he or she will be debt free around the age of 58.

Is it wise to buy a house at age 50? ›

If you're in your 50s, it's not too late to buy a new home, but it's key to ask the right questions and make the wisest decisions possible. Above all, make sure you won't be stuck making mortgage payments years after retirement. Gallup. "Most U.S. Employed Adults Plan to Work Past Retirement Age."

Is it wise to buy a house at age 60? ›

Buying a home after 60 can make sense if you have sufficient monthly income and find an affordable home. In addition, if you're physically capable of maintaining the home or can pay for extra help, homeownership won't become burdensome.

Are Gen Z going to be good parents? ›

They put more emphasis on being the "perfect mom" compared to Millennials, and they strive to reach more parenting ideals, from keeping kids busy to owning the scheduling for the entire family.

How rich is a millennial household? ›

A recent report from Magnify Money explained this phenomenon while crunching the numbers, ultimately proving that the total wealth of millennials doubled from $4.55 trillion to $9.38 trillion in just over two years.

How will Gen Z pay rent? ›

Financial Companies Are Encouraging Gen Z To Pay Rent With Their Credit Cards. Though many Gen Z adults still prefer other forms of payment over credit cards, companies are launching new credit card programs that incentivize young people to use credit cards for their rent and other large expenses.

Why are millennials living with parents? ›

Sky-high rent is why 39% of the millennials who moved back in with their parents last year did so, per a survey by PropertyManagement.com. More than half said they boomeranged back home to save more money. It's proof that living at home with parents can be financially beneficial.

Where do millennials prefer to live? ›

Key Findings. Florida and Texas are becoming millennial hotspots. Four of the top 10 cities where millennials are moving are in the Lone Star and Sunshine States. The cities include Austin and Dallas in Texas and Jacksonville and Tampa in Florida.

Which of the following millennials are least likely to live in a family? ›

Black Millennials are the least likely to live in a family – 46% do, compared with 57% of white and Hispanic Millennials and 54% of Asians.

How much house can I afford if I make $70,000 a year? ›

If you're an aspiring homeowner, you may be asking yourself, “I make $70,000 a year: how much house can I afford?” If you make $70K a year, you can likely afford a home between $290,000 and $360,000*. That's a monthly house payment between $2,000 and $2,500 a month, depending on your personal finances.

How are people affording million dollar homes? ›

As a general rule, you'll need an annual household income of at least $225,384 in order to afford a million-dollar home. However, specific salary requirements depend on factors like your interest rate and the size of your down payment.

What income do you need for a 2 million dollar home? ›

Assuming you are financing the purchase and put at least 20% down, most lenders will require you to have a salary of at least $450,000 per year to qualify for a $2 million home loan. This could be household income if both you and your spouse are on the loan.

What is the best generation in America? ›

The Greatest Generation commonly refers to those Americans who were born in the 1900s through the 1920s. The Greatest Generation members all lived through the Great Depression and many of them fought in World War II. These individuals have often been described as driven, patriotic, and team-players.

Where do most boomers live? ›

The most populous city in the U.S., New York is the top boomer location, boasting the largest population of baby boomers.

Is it harder for millennials to buy a house? ›

Compared with these generations, millennials have more debt, a lower net worth, and a worse chance of making more than their parents. Those factors, particularly the rise in student debt, have prevented millennials from getting a home.

What is the most common job for Gen Z? ›

By the numbers: Gen Z-ers surveyed said their top career goals were businessperson, doctor and engineer.

What generation makes the most money? ›

Baby boomers have the highest household net worth of any US generation. Defined by the Federal Reserve as being born between 1946 and 1964 (currently in the ages between 59 and 77), baby boomers are in often in the sunset of their career or early into retirement.

What is the average salary to feel financially healthy? ›

Gen Z says they require an average salary of $171,633 to feel financially healthy — the highest income compared to older generations — according to a 2022 survey from personal finance company Personal Capital and retirement plan provider Empower, conducted by The Harris Poll.

Why is it called the Silent Generation? ›

The term “Silent Generation” was first documented in a 1951 Time magazine article, which claimed that the most startling fact about this generation was its silence: “By comparison with the Flaming Youth of their fathers and mothers, today's younger generation is a still, small flame.” The generation's “silent” behavior ...

What will millennials be known for? ›

Characteristics of the millennial generation
  • Values meaningful motivation. ...
  • Challenges hierarchical status quo. ...
  • Places importance on relationships with superiors. ...
  • Intuitive knowledge of technology. ...
  • Open and adaptive to change. ...
  • Places importance on tasks rather than time. ...
  • Passion for learning.
Aug 8, 2022

What is the new generation called? ›

More than 2.5 million are born globally every week. When they have all been born (2025) they will number almost 2 billion- the largest generation in the history of the world. Generation Alpha are defined as those born from 2010-2024.

What age should I buy my own house? ›

Key Takeaways. The best age to buy is when you can comfortably afford the payments, tackle any unexpected repairs, and live in the home long enough to cover the costs of buying and selling a home. Legally, you must be at least 18 in most states to buy a home.

Should I own a house at 25? ›

There's no right or wrong age to buy a house — just the right or wrong time. Be sure to consider your financial situation, your employment, the local housing market, and your future goals and plans. Consult a real estate agent or loan officer for professional advice if you're unsure.

What is the average age Millennials buy a house? ›

The average millennial bought their first home at 34, slightly older than the average age of past generations, when boomers took the keys at 33 and Gen X at 32.

What is the age limit for a 30 year mortgage? ›

Age doesn't matter. Counterintuitive as it may sound, your loan application for a mortgage to be repaid over 30 years looks the same to lenders whether you are 90 years old or 40.

Is 30 too old to buy a house? ›

Although buying a house for the first time is a big decision, there really is no perfect age to do it. While it's more about individual readiness when it comes to home ownership, the average age of a first-time home buyer in 2021 was 33. Here are some indicators that people are ready to buy in their thirties!

Does age affect buying a house? ›

A lender generally can't deny your loan application or charge you higher interest rates or fees because of your age. This rule applies to various types of lenders when they're deciding whether to give credit, such as an auto loan, credit card, mortgage, student loan, or small business loan.

Is buying a house at an early age good? ›

Buying A House Young Protects You From Rent Increases And Inflation. One of the biggest advantages of buying a house young is that you lock in the price of the home and monthly payment, regardless of what happens as time goes on. If you live in an apartment, it is likely that your rent goes up each year.

How many people want to buy a house? ›

The study found that nearly 28 million Americans plan to purchase a home in the next 12 months and around 26 million hope to become first-time homebuyers within the next five years. In that group of 2021 prospective buyers, more than half said they feel better about their ability to purchase this year than last year.

Is it smart to buy a house at 50 years old? ›

The Bottom Line

If you're in your 50s, it's not too late to buy a new home, but it's key to ask the right questions and make the wisest decisions possible. Above all, make sure you won't be stuck making mortgage payments years after retirement. Gallup. "Most U.S. Employed Adults Plan to Work Past Retirement Age."

What credit score is good for buying a house? ›

It's recommended you have a credit score of 620 or higher when you apply for a conventional loan. If your score is below 620, lenders either won't be able to approve your loan or may be required to offer you a higher interest rate, which can result in higher monthly payments.

Is buying a house an achievement? ›

Nearly 75% of Americans say that owning a home is a more significant measure of achievement than having a successful career or even raising a family, according to a survey from Bankrate.com of about 2,500 adults.

How is Gen Z supposed to buy a house? ›

The study found that 21.9% – the largest percentage of Gen Zers – plan to put down 8% – 11% of the purchase price of a home followed by down payment amounts of 4% – 7% and 12% – 15%. Only 10.1% of Gen Zers plan to put down 20% of their home price.

How many people don't have a mortgage? ›

Q: How many homeowners have paid off their mortgage? A: 37% of U.S. households no longer have a home mortgage to pay, according to a Zillow data analysis.

Will millennials be able to afford houses? ›

Millennials, aged 27 to 42, make up the biggest group citing affordability as one of the key issues that's preventing them from buying a home. Older millennials, between 34 and 42, were the biggest group that cited the inability to afford the down payment or closing costs as a major reason why they don't own a home.

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