Millennials and Gen Z 'Cuspers' Set to Drive Home Buying Trends

Strategic Insights -

As the Millennials have now reached nearly 50% homeowners and 50% renters nationally, their coming-of-age years influenced by a pandemic, inflation, and labor market volatility, the "cusp" of this generation and Gen Z is emerging as a significant force in shaping future housing trends. According to Ali Wolf, chief economist for Zonda and NewHomeSource, this cohort has the highest likelihood of influencing short- to medium-term housing trends, with nearly two-thirds of them preferring homeownership than the national average. The Sunbelt continues to have a strong presence on Local Leaders, with top builders in the region, including and , dominating the top spots.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Millennials have reached a crucial juncture, with nearly 50% of them homeowners and 50% renters nationally.
  • The emerging "cusp" of Millennials and Gen Z is expected to play a significant role in shaping future housing trends.
  • This cohort has the highest likelihood of influencing short- to medium-term housing trends.
  • Nearly two-thirds of them prefer homeownership, which is higher than the national average.
  • The Sunbelt remains a hotbed for new-home construction, with and dominating the local market.

Statistics:

  • Nearly 50% of Millennials are homeowners, while the same percentage are renters nationally.
  • The emerging "cusp" of Millennials and Gen Z has nearly two-thirds of them preferring homeownership.
  • The top builders in the Sunbelt region, including and , dominate the top spots on Local Leaders.

Sources:

  • Zonda
  • NewHomeSource
  • BUILDER (PRNewswire, June 18, 2025)