Let’s be real: if nearly 1 in 3 young adults say they’ve considered squatting or living in their car, we’re not just dealing with a housing affordability issue — we’re facing a full-blown crisis of confidence in the North American Dream.

According to Clever’s 2025 Gen Z Home Buyer Report, this generation isn’t just struggling to afford a home — they’re questioning if it’s even possible. And as someone who works with buyers every day, I’m telling you: these stats are more than shocking. They’re heartbreaking.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Here’s what the report found:

• 90% of Gen Z want to own a home
• 62% believe they never will
• 66% feel the market is rigged against them
• Nearly half have less than $5,000 saved
• 34% carry more debt than savings

And yes — 30% have thought about living in a car or squatting just to survive. That’s over 22 million people who feel so shut out of the system, they’re thinking about life without it.

This isn’t clickbait. This is the next generation of homebuyers — and they’re in crisis.

They Still Want  to Buy… But the Math Doesn’t Add Up

Despite all this, Gen Z still sees homeownership as the goal. In fact, 90% say they want to buy for the same reasons many of us did — stability, freedom, and control over where and how they live.

But here’s the reality they’re up against:

• 46% struggle to pay rent right now
• 75% say the cost of living makes saving impossible
• 17% have no savings at all
• Nearly 50% would accept a home with mold, asbestos, or foundation issues just to break into the market
• And 36% would consider marrying someone just to afford a home

This isn’t about bad financial habits. It’s about feeling like the system is broken before they even have a chance to play the game.

A Deep Lack of Trust in the System

Beyond the dollars and cents, there’s a growing emotional gap. Gen Z doesn’t just lack affordability — they lack belief.

• 72% think they’ll rent forever
• 69% feel financially punished just for being born when they were
• 62% assume peers who’ve bought got family help
• And 30% say they wouldn’t feel confident buying without family support

Many have already moved back in with their parents to save — and 41% would stay rent-free indefinitely if they could.

What This Means for Agents, Lenders, and the Industry as a Whole

This report is more than a reality check — it’s a call to action.

If you’re in real estate or finance, Gen Z doesn’t just need help with down payments — they need someone who gets it. Someone who can show them what’s possible without sugarcoating the truth.

Here’s what we need to be doing right now:

• Lead with transparency. No gimmicks. No fluff.
• Acknowledge the struggle. Don’t minimize what they’re facing.
• Educate first, sell second. They’re not going to “figure it out later.” You need to give them a roadmap.
• Make them feel seen. Because too many feel like no one’s listening.

Final Thoughts

Gen Z isn’t lazy. They’re not unrealistic. They’re not “bad with money.”

They’re overwhelmed.

They’re staring down record-high prices, student loans, inflation, and a system that’s felt stacked against them from day one — and they’re still showing up. Still trying. Still dreaming of a place to call their own.

If that doesn’t make you want to show up for them differently, I don’t know what will.

📢 If this article made you pause — share it.

This is a conversation we all need to be having. Forward it to a fellow agent, tag a lender, or send it to someone in Gen Z who needs to hear they’re not alone.

Let’s shift the narrative — together.