Gen Z homebuyers focused more on cost than location
Aspiring Gen Z homeowners would rather change ZIP codes than increase their budgets, and finding the “right” home trumps buying one quickly, a new survey finds.
August 4, 2026
Consumer
Stories for and about homebuyers, sellers, the housing market and the forces that shape the real estate landscape.
- Fraudsters finding new ways to evade rental listing safety checksAs bad actors employ new tech to level up, “we’re finding that becoming human-centric is essential,” said Eric Taylor, head of trust and safety at TurboTenant.August 3, 2026
- Real estate goes through cycles — but this one is out of orbitSome economists say the four-phase housing market cycle has been consistent for decades. But the current market’s “correction” phase isn’t behaving as expected.August 1, 2026
- How to help buyers ‘know what they’re getting into’ with insuranceAs homeowners premiums continue to rise, agents should discuss the cost realities with their clients early, a Howard Hanna Insurance Services exec advised.July 31, 2026
More Consumer
- The housing market’s summer slumber intensifies as rates riseThe highest mortgage rates of the year are hitting at a time when home sales are already starting their seasonal slowdown, further suppressing activity.July 30, 2026
- US housing market drawing less interest from foreign buyersThe number of U.S. homes purchased by international buyers fell 14% year-over-year — the second-lowest level in NAR records dating back to 2009.July 30, 2026
- ‘The Fed’s on the case,’ Chair Warsh says as rate pause holdsThe FOMC voted 9-3 to keep rates in the 3.5% to 3.75% range. The central bank has not adjusted short-term interest rates since its December 2025 meeting.July 29, 2026
- Surging oil prices, T-bonds push mortgage rates closer to 7%The Iran war escalation is spooking financial markets and raising inflation concerns. And next week’s Fed meeting isn’t likely to “signal any immediate relief.”July 23, 2026
- Purchasing power is up, but that’s not helping homebuyersA report comparing the cost of living in 1974 to 2024 shows that rent burdens are relatively lighter today, but home prices have outpaced gains in buying power.July 21, 2026
- How home inspections fit into the housing affordability pictureFor buyers with stretched budgets, unexpected repairs can break the bank. Yet home inspector regulation is spotty, and the cost of incompetence can be high.July 21, 2026
- High rates, home prices to blame for ‘tepid housing market’Mortgage rates climbed to a 10-month high this week as falling pending home sales already point to a slow summer housing market.July 16, 2026
- Homeowners insurance ‘redlining’ demands scrutiny, report saysHomeowners in majority Black ZIP codes pay 16% higher premiums than those in white communities, a CFA report says — and people in Hispanic areas pay even more.July 15, 2026
- Midyear market checkup: Finding balance after a chaotic springAfter two years of disappointing sales, many expected a breakout spring season fueled by lower mortgage rates. But then the Iran war and inflation interfered.July 15, 2026
- Where demographic shifts could impact home prices, supplyAs more baby boomers sell, localized “Silver Tsunamis” may improve affordability for some buyers, but overall effects will be modest, recent research suggests.July 14, 2026
- Landmark housing bill becomes law without Trump’s signatureAfter months of debate, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act has finally become law. Plus, FHA requirements raise concerns; Fed appoints task force leaders.Updated July 15, 2026
- Market instability ‘putting a damper on sales’Existing home sales fell in June, cutting short the momentum seen a month earlier. Consumer caution — and elevated mortgage rates — are likely culprits.July 9, 2026
- Home sale expectations tempered for second half of 2026The market should continue to plod along, with slight gains expected compared to last year as buyers and sellers continue “adjusting and showing up.”July 8, 2026
- Kelley Blue Book now in the home valuation gameThe company known for its vehicle valuations is entering the residential real estate space with a goal of providing “a tailored strategy to achieve full price.”July 7, 2026
- Tech wealth reshaping San Francisco’s housing marketThe overbidding trend driving up luxury home prices is expected to continue through 2026 as the AI boom brings more high-salaried home shoppers into the city.July 6, 2026
- Mediocre jobs data is no cause for alarm — or celebrationJob growth was far more sluggish than expected in June — but probably not enough to panic a Federal Reserve that remains concerned about rising inflation.July 2, 2026
- A ‘functioning’ housing market has arrived, report suggestsSeveral consecutive months of falling asking prices and rising pending sales indicate that sellers are pricing to meet the market — and finding buyer interest.July 1, 2026
- Will demographic shifts change the housing supply equation?If the MBA’s supply and demand projections are correct, the U.S. may have an excess of homes by 2035 — but other variables could alter that trajectory.June 30, 2026
- ‘Worst of the pain’ may be over for stalled housing marketThough pending home sales continue to stay ahead of last year’s pace, elevated rates and rising inflation are sapping momentum heading into the summer months.June 25, 2026
- Gen Z views on homeownership ‘should concern everyone’ in housingAbout 16 million Gen Zers identify as LGBTQ+ — and many don’t rank homeownership as a key step toward attaining the “American Dream,” a recent report found.June 25, 2026
