Estate agents may be busy juggling enquiries from first-time buyers, remortgagers and downsizers alike but new research from Yopa suggests the way different age groups view homeownership is shifting – and not always in the way the industry might expect.
The survey of Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z shows a gulf in ownership levels.
Almost two-thirds (63%) of Baby Boomers now own their home outright, compared with just 23% of Gen X, 6% of Millennials and a tiny 2% of Gen Z.
Instead, today’s younger buyers are more likely to be servicing a mortgage – 58% of Millennials and 53% of Gen Z fall into this camp – or renting, or even living with family.
URGENCY FADING
Interestingly, while 60% of Gen Z still say ownership is important, that figure trails the 66–68% of older generations.
For many, the aspiration remains, but the urgency has faded. What hasn’t changed is the consensus on why ownership matters: security.
For most, it’s about financial stability, while Millennials put more weight on family life.
Where the generations really agree is on how hard it has become to get a foot on the ladder. A hefty 93% of Millennials, 87% of Gen X, 79% of Gen Z and even 73% of Baby Boomers think it’s tougher today than it was for their parents.
The culprits? Rising house prices, the cost of living, and the struggle to save for a deposit.
GENERATIONAL SLIDE
Steve Anderson, Yopa’s National Franchise Director, says: “Homeownership remains a cornerstone of both personal achievement and financial security, but younger generations are feeling squeezed like never before – with rising house prices, the cost of living and higher mortgage costs all presenting significant barriers to achieving this life milestone.
“So it’s no surprise that each generation is finding it more difficult than the last and, whilst it remains an important aspiration in life, we’re starting to see a generational slide when it comes to the degree of importance placed on turning the aspiration into reality.”
