For the fourth consecutive year, millennials are the largest group of homebuyers in the United States, according to the National Association of Realtors 2017 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report. Nearly 40% of home buyers are currently under 36 years old, and that number (and their hunger for home ownership) is growing. By 2025 millennials will make up 75% of the world’s working population and will have an impressive amount of collective purchasing power.
Across the country, real estate markets are much healthier than they have been in years, and property values are hitting new highs. Some places, however, have not only recovered better than others but are poised for continued growth with millennial homeownership– including Salt Lake City. In fact, it topped the list of the 10 U.S. cities millennials want to live (*high five* *fist bump* *secret handshake*).
We’re not surprised — but what, exactly, makes a real estate market a millennial magnet? Let’s take a closer look at what’s piquing their interest.
Millennials want homes over 2,375 sq. ft. (on average) and nearly half surveyed in the March 2016 National Association of Home Builders study said they wanted at least four bedrooms, an outdoor space, shower and tub in the master bath and hardwood floors on the main level of the home.
49% percent of millennial buyers had at least one child, also according to the report (up 6% from two years ago) and are purchasing homes with their partners.
Though marriage rates have declined, the number of U.S. adults in cohabiting relationships reached nearly 18 million last year, up 29% since 2007. About half of those cohabiters are younger than 35 with dual incomes that support home ownership.
55% of millennials are enthusiastic about home ownership as an investment, and over half would invest in property other than their primary residence.
Economic growth and relative affordability make these markets really attractive to first-time home buyers. Of all the markets on the list, Salt Lake City had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.9%, well below the national unemployment rate of 4.7%.
High job growth and the power of affordability make these markets attractive to millennials. A burgeoning tech scene that lures young people to companies, Salt Lake and neighboring cities is a high tech mecca known as ‘Silicon Slopes’ with homes at one-third of Silicon Valley prices.
We’ve always known Salt Lake City was an ‘it’ real estate market — and its appeal is only gaining speed. If millennials are checking out your city, pay attention! Some must-haves on their list often include short commutes, outdoor amenities, cultural centers, a good food scene and something fun to do on a Friday night…but most importantly, upward mobility and a secure financial future. Not too much to ask, right?