Why Housing Affordability Is the Top Issue for Gen Z Voters Ahead of Midterms

As the U.S. heads into midterms, housing affordability remains a top concern—especially among Gen Z voters, who are currently age 18 to 29.A recent CNBC poll found that housing costs are the top political issue for voters aged 18 to 34 and men aged 18 to 49—not surprising, since homeownership feels increasingly out of reach for millions of prospective buyers. Recent Realtor.com® research found that about 1 in 3 adult children under 35—an astounding 25.2 million people—still live with their parents, contributing to a household deficit of about 4.3 million households compared with 2010 levels. Yet younger people still believe homeownership is a vital part of the American dream. A 2025 Realtor.com survey found that Gen Zers and millennials are more likely than other generations to view homeownership as a life goal, and about half believe it's a key part of building long-term wealth.So young Americans aren't willfully turning their backs on homeownership.“What you see is lots of people around the country waking up and realizing that they're in their 30s and 40s, they're not able to buy a home, and they may never be able to,” says John D. Landis, professor emeritus of City & Regiona...