Hilda Gonzalez
Realty Executives Midwest
So why buy now? Despite the hurdles, Gen Z’s top motivation is refreshingly simple: 39% said they bought a home because they wanted one of their own. No elaborate motivations, just main-character energy and a desire to build equity. Seventy-one percent of Gen Z buyers consider their home a good financial investment, with 30% saying it’s better than stocks.
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Of course, the financial realities are real. Gen Z buyers are just getting started in their careers, entering the market with the lowest median household income at $76,000. That pragmatism shows up in the homes they choose. Gen Z buyers were more likely than any other generation to purchase a townhome or rowhouse (10%), often opting for more attainable options. Their typical home measured at 1,600 square feet, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It’s giving practical; it’s giving… starter home.
Bottom line? Gen Z may be a small share of buyers today, but they’re already changing the narrative around who buys a home, when they buy, and why. Less tradition, more intention—and honestly, that’s a vibe.
Buyers' View of Homes as a Financial Investment, 2026
Seventy-one percent of Gen Z buyers consider their home a good financial investment, with 30% saying it’s better than stocks.
Source: 2026 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report
Chart by Jovi Dai/National Association of REALTORS®.
