Two-thirds (66%) of Gen Z are more concerned about housing security than a year ago, and nearly 1 in 3 (30%) have considered squatting or living in their car.

ST. LOUIS — Though 90% of Gen Z want to own a home someday, 62% fear they never will, according to a new report from Clever Offers, a platform owned by Clever Real Estate.

About 1 in 5 (21%) of Gen Z even believe World War III is more likely to occur than buying a home in the next five years. Nearly the same share say they're more likely to win the lottery (17%) or become homeless (18%) within that timeframe.

Among Gen Zers who worry they'll never own a home, 82% cite affordability as the reason – a sharp increase from 57% in 2024.

Despite 75% of Gen Z saying the high cost of living has made saving for a down payment impossible – and 49% feeling homeownership is so out of reach that it's pointless to even try saving – many are still willing to make sacrifices to buy a home.

Thirty-five percent of Gen Z would consider skipping other debt payments to afford a home, although 34% have more debt than savings. Half (50%) have under $5,000 saved, and 17% have no savings at all.

Even more, nearly half (47%) would buy a home with asbestos, 41% would tolerate pests, and 36% would purchase a home with mold. Over half (55%) would accept an interest rate higher than today's 7%.

66% believe the housing market is rigged against them. About one-third (32%) blame the government for their inability to afford a home, but 28% admit their own spending habits are a factor.

Although 80% of Gen Z believe buying a home is the right financial move, 45% say their peers have made poor financial choices to achieve it. Among Gen Z homeowners, 29% struggle with mortgage payments, and 23% report that their finances have worsened since buying.

Methodology: Clever Real Estate surveyed 1,000 Gen Z adults between the ages of 18 and 28 on their views on buying and owning a home. The survey was conducted from June 5 to 8, 2025.

Source: Clever Real Estate