70% of Gen Z Plan to Buy Homes Before 30: A New Trend in China's Real Estate Market
Approximately 70% of post-00s individuals plan to buy a house before they turn 30, highlighting a significant trend in the real estate market driven by younger generations. This trend is influenced by a combination of policy stimuli and product innovation, which are changing the logic behind young people's decisions to purchase homes. For many young people, buying a house is not only a necessary life arrangement, but also a symbol of belonging to a city. However, the harsh reality of high housing prices, insufficient savings, and the pressure of getting married, poses significant challenges.
25 April 2025
The challenges faced by these young individuals include the high cost of housing in first-tier cities, leading some to consider "escaping" to new first-tier cities or second-tier cities for better development opportunities and more affordable housing. The data shows that nearly 60% of young people who have already bought houses relied on their parents for the down payment, while about 27.62% managed to buy houses without relying on their parents. The traditional notion that having a house is a necessity for marriage still influences the young generation, with nearly half of the respondents believing that having a house is a prerequisite for marriage.
In the dual drive of 'policy stimulus + product innovation,' the logic behind the post-90s generation's decision to buy a house is undergoing a significant shift. It is believed that in the future, technology and policy will provide more intelligent and convenient new entry points and support for young people to buy houses, helping them achieve their goal of becoming homeowners. This could include digital platforms for house hunting, innovative financing options, and government incentives tailored to first-time buyers. As the real estate market continues to evolve, the integration of technology and supportive policies is expected to make the dream of homeownership more accessible to the younger demographic.
The report indicates that buying a house does not immediately increase happiness for young people, as the pressure of monthly mortgage payments and the financial burden can lead to decreased life quality. When given the choice between 5 million RMB in cash and a house worth 5 million RMB in a first-tier city, 56.71% of young people chose the cash, believing it could bring immediate joy and the opportunity to buy a house in a new first-tier city while also achieving a high-quality life.
As the housing plans of the post-00s generation become a reality, the future housing market is expected to take on a more youthful characteristic. The development of the real estate market will need to adapt to the needs and changes of young people, providing more diversified and convenient housing services to meet the demands of this emerging group. This may involve innovative marketing strategies, flexible payment options, and a greater emphasis on amenities and community features that appeal to this demographic. With approximately 70% of post-00s individuals planning to purchase a home before the age of 30, the housing market is poised to experience a significant shift. To capitalize on this trend, real estate developers and agents will need to rethink their approaches to cater to the unique preferences and behaviors of this younger generation.
As the post-00s generation becomes a dominant force in the housing market, it is likely that their values and priorities will shape the industry as a whole. With their emphasis on flexibility, convenience, and community, they may drive demand for more innovative and people-centered approaches to housing development. As a result, the future of the housing market is expected to be more dynamic, responsive, and tailored to the needs of a new and increasingly influential generation of homebuyers.
