Why Boomers Aren't The Only Ones Buying Houses Anymore!

In this blog I will prove to you that Millennials are leading the way in homebuying, Gen Z is already stepping into the market, and the idea that only Boomers are buying houses just isn’t true.

That might sound shocking, especially if you’ve been hearing over and over again that young people are “priced out” or “locked out” of the market. Recently, on our channel, @RiffleVFXPortfolio dropped a comment that summed up the frustration perfectly:
“Over the last 20 years, the median age of homebuyers went up by 20 years. The only people buying houses now are those that already bought a decade or more ago. It's basically a boomer house swap at this point.”

It’s blunt. It feels real. And for many people staring down high prices, rising interest rates, and heavy student loan debt, it hits home. But here’s the twist — the latest National Association of REALTORS® Generational Trends Report (link here) tells a very different story. Stick with me, because once you see the numbers, this whole “boomer-only house swap” myth starts to crumble.

Part 2: The Reality Check — Who’s Actually Buying Homes?

Let’s break it down. According to the NAR report:

• Gen Z (18–25): 3% of buyers. A small number, but it’s historic — the first time they’ve shown up in the data.

• Millennials (26–44): 29% of buyers, making them the single largest generation in the market today.

• Gen X (45–59): 24% of buyers.

• Baby Boomers (60–78): 42% combined.

• Silent Generation (79–99): Just 4%.

So, the claim that it’s only Boomers buying? Not true. Millennials alone outpace both Gen X and the Silent Generation combined.

Retention hook: and when you look at how Millennials are buying, the story gets even more interesting.

Part 3: Why the Myth Persists

If Millennials and Gen Z are active, why does it feel like they’re absent? Three reasons feed the myth:

1. The median age is creeping up — now in the early 40s — but that’s because older generations are staying in the market longer, not because younger ones disappeared.

2. Affordability struggles are real — higher prices, higher rents, and stagnant wages make saving harder.

3. Social media echo chambers — posts that scream “you’ll never buy a house” go viral, even when the data tells a different story.

Retention hook: but here’s the kicker — believing this myth can cost you the chance to build equity while your peers are already doing it.

Part 4: Millennials — The Market Shapers

Millennials aren’t just buying — they’re shaping the way homeownership looks:

• 71% of younger Millennials and 36% of older Millennials are first-time buyers.

• 78% of younger Millennials hold at least a bachelor’s degree.

• One in four moved directly out of a parent’s home into ownership.

• Their top concerns? Commute costs and job proximity.

This isn’t a generation locked out — it’s a generation redefining what it means to buy a home in today’s economy.

Retention hook: and if you think Gen Z is still years away, think again. They’ve already stepped into the game.

Part 5: Gen Z’s Early Moves

Gen Z buyers may only make up 3% of the market right now, but here’s why that’s powerful:

• They’re entering earlier than many expected.

• They’re choosing older, more affordable homes.

• They’re often buying before marriage or children — a big cultural shift.

Think about it: Millennials were once written off as “forever renters,” and now they lead the market. Gen Z is laying the same kind of foundation.

Retention hook: so the real question isn’t if Gen Z will grow, but how fast.

Part 6: The Real Obstacles

The NAR report highlights what’s slowing people down:

• High rents eating away at savings.

• Student loan debt (43% of younger Millennials carry an average of $30,000).

• Credit card balances stacking on top of that.

• Misconceptions like believing you need 20% down to buy.

But here’s the silver lining: every single one of these barriers has a workaround — and thousands of buyers are already proving it.

Retention hook: so how do you get past these roadblocks? Let’s break it down.

Part 7: The Playbook for Young Buyers

Here’s how Millennials and Gen Z are making homeownership happen:

• Use smart financing: FHA, VA, USDA, and down payment assistance programs open doors with little money down.

• Lean on support: 33% of younger Millennials used family gifts or loans to secure down payments.

• Start small: a starter home builds equity that leads to the next step.

• Get creative: house hacking, co-buying, and multi-gen living can cut costs and build income.

The key is shifting from “it’s impossible” to “what’s my strategy?”

Final Takeaway

The myth says only Boomers are swapping houses while everyone else gets shut out. But the facts prove otherwise: Millennials are leading the way, Gen Z is making their mark, and younger buyers overall are shaping the future of homeownership.

The real obstacle isn’t the market — it’s belief. If you think you’re locked out, you’ll never take action. But if you step in, you join the thousands of younger buyers who are proving every day that ownership is possible.

And here’s the part that should fire you up: in just a few short years, Gen Z’s share will grow, Millennials will keep climbing the ladder, and the entire narrative will flip again. The question is — will you be part of that shift, or will you be watching from the sidelines?

I’m Joshua Christensen with Christensen Properties powered by R1 of New Mexico. If you like these videos, please comment, like and subscribe below. If you’re in the market to buy or sell your Albuquerque house, reach out and I’m happy to help.