How Gen Z is set to change the housing market forever

Understanding how coming generations will interact with and influence the housing market is essential for everyone, from real estate moguls to first-time homebuyers. The youngest generation entering the housing market, Generation Z, seems poised to upend this sector. 

By marrying technology with sustainability and blending urban living with communal areas, Gen Z is altering the face of real estate in ways unimaginable by previous generations. 

Let’s delve into how Gen Z home buyers are gradually reshaping the US housing market.

Who is Generation Z?

Generation Z or Gen Z is the group of people born between 1997 and 2012. This generation has grown up in a highly digital era, where technology is deeply integrated into their daily lives. 

They’re currently entering adulthood, finishing school, or starting their early careers. These ambitious youngsters seek affordable housing options as they head towards independence. 

Their choices will impact where developers build homes, including in areas such as the finest Austin suburbs. In many respects, Gen Z’s expectations will redefine market trends in real estate for years to come and may impact the way banks and lenders handle credit. 

What are the characteristics of Generation Z?

Generation Z is characterized by their adaptability and comfort with technology, having grown up in a world filled with rapid advancements in digital spaces. They are known for their financial consciousness, likely influenced by watching older generations navigate the 2008 crisis. 

They also place high value on diversity and social justice, holding businesses accountable for ethical practices. Furthermore, they’re strongly influenced by online trends and peer reviews when making purchase decisions. Topping it all off is their inclination towards experiential living over material possessions, which will make an impact on the housing market.

How Gen Z will change the housing market 

Unless something changes in the housing market, Gen Z is going to control how real estate functions over the next 2 decades. Here’s how this generation will change how we buy homes.

Buying homes later in life

The buying habits of Gen Z indicate a delay in home ownership. Compared to previous generations, these young adults are likely to buy homes later in life. You might attribute this lag largely to financial constraints, including high student debt and lower starting salaries. 

It’s not just economic factors at play, though. This generation also seems to prioritize experiences like travel over home ownership. They also tend to spend more on luxury goods.

Smart technology and digital appliances

In considering the changing landscape of the housing market, we can’t ignore Gen Z’s affinity for smart technology and digital appliances. This tech-savvy generation seeks homes that offer more than just shelter. They’re looking for properties equipped with smart home features.

It’s also common to find demands for digital appliances that enhance convenience in their everyday lives, such as smart refrigerators or automated security systems. 

Read more: Best home renovation apps

The introduction of low-down payments

As a generation grappling with economic challenges, Gen Zers appreciate the life jackets that these lowered costs represent. This allows them to become homeowners earlier than they might have otherwise been able to. However, this could cause them to have sky-high interest rates.

Innovative financing schemes are encouraging their journey towards home ownership by making upfront costs more manageable, which initiates a shift in how we’ll use credit.

No credit loans with no interest

Although these aren’t common now, no credit loans with no or low-interest rates could come in the future. Since many Gen Zers don’t have credit and have to deal with student loan debt, they can’t get a loan for a home. To compensate for this, the banks have to be adaptable.

Such loan structures offer them a feasible route into homeownership without the pressures of high-interest rates. It also means their loans are less likely to default or become too expensive. 

A preference for rural and tight communities

A rather surprising trend among Gen Z is a demonstrated interest in rural living. Yes, while they do gravitate towards urban areas because of higher access to amenities, a notable subset is also showing a preference for quieter, tight-knit communities present in rural locations. 

These Gen Z homebuyers are seeking authentic connections at the heart of smaller communities and opting for homes that also offer outdoor space and natural surroundings. 

Homes with access to communal amenities 

As employers continue to embrace remote working, Gen Z is seeking homes with access to communal amenities. This shift sees them prioritizing co-living spaces or residences in proximity to sports facilities, coffee shops, pools, malls, parks, restaurants, and co-working spaces. 

For a generation that values community engagement alongside personal space, properties that offer this blend are especially appealing. The social component of living is increasingly vital.

Gen Z will buy a house and sit on them

There’s an intriguing approach that Gen Z seems to have towards homeownership: they are buying properties and sitting on them. Unlike previous generations who transitioned through various homes, Gen Z seems inclined to buy a house and stay there for an extended period. 

Part of this stems from their preference for buying homes later in life when they’ve outlined clear long-term plans for the future. This ‘settle down’ approach showcases their desire for stability.

In conclusion… 

The evolving behaviors and trends of Gen Z reflect a fresh, dynamic approach to the housing market. Whether you’re a real estate professional, a property investor, or someone interested in the future of housing, aligning with Gen Z’s preferences can provide invaluable opportunities. 

Written by Billy Guteng. September 28, 2023

Billy is a content writer for Kukun. He was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture as well as construction and real estate.