A new survey reveals how far Gen Z would go to achieve homeownership
A new survey from Clever Offers has found that two-thirds of Gen Z adults are more concerned about housing security compared with last year, with many doubting they will ever be able to buy a home.
The report shows that while 90% of Gen Z want to own a home someday, 62% fear they never will. Financial insecurity has led nearly one in three (30%) to consider squatting or living in their car.
Housing pessimism runs so deep that 21% say World War III is more likely to happen than them buying a home in the next five years. Nearly the same share are certain they are more likely to win the lottery (17%) or become homeless (18%) in that timeframe.
Affordability concerns on the rise
Among Gen Zers who believe they will never own a home, 82% cite affordability as the main reason—a sharp jump from 57% in 2024. The study also found that 75% say the high cost of living has made saving for a down payment impossible, and 49% feel homeownership is so out of reach that it’s pointless to even try saving.
Although 34% have more debt than savings and half have under $5,000 in savings—with 17% reporting no savings at all—some are still willing to make sacrifices. Thirty-five percent (35%) would consider skipping other debt payments to afford a home.
Perceived barriers to ownership
The research also highlights the lengths Gen Z would go to in order to become homeowners. Nearly half (47%) would buy a home with asbestos, 41% would tolerate pests, and 36% would accept a home with mold. More than half (55%) would agree to an interest rate higher than today’s 7%.
Two-thirds (66%) believe the housing market is “rigged” against them. When asked about the reasons they cannot afford a home, 32% blamed the government, while 28% admitted their own spending habits were a factor.
Despite these challenges, 80% believe buying a home is the right financial move, though 45% say peers have made poor financial choices to achieve it. Among Gen Z homeowners, 29% struggle to make mortgage payments, and 23% report their finances have worsened since purchasing a home.
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