Rising home prices and limited housing supply have made it harder for young adults to buy a home. A May 2026 Pew Research Center survey found that nearly nine in ten younger Americans say it is more difficult for them to purchase a home than it was for their parents.
Where Young Buyers Are Most Active
SmartAsset examined mortgage applications filed in each of the 50 states over the past year, using data from the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The analysis calculated the share of applications submitted by buyers younger than 35 compared with all applicants.
In a number of states, adults under 35 represent more than 25% of mortgage applications, indicating a strong push toward homeownership among the next generation. In other states, that share falls below 15%, suggesting a more challenging environment for younger buyers.
Methodology
The study used Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) snapshot data for 2025, the most recent year available. For each state, the number and share of conventional mortgage records involving applicants younger than 35 were calculated by combining the under‑25 and 25‑to‑34 age categories. The data includes applications that were originated, denied, withdrawn, incomplete, or otherwise resolved; cash purchases are not included.
Typical home values for each state were sourced from Zillow’s Home Value Index using April 2026 data. Neither the data providers nor the analysts are affiliated with, nor do they endorse, the findings.
Implications for Young Families
While the overall market remains tough, the states where younger buyers are most active may offer more opportunities for first‑time homeowners. Local lenders, real‑estate agents, and community leaders can use this information to tailor outreach, financing programs, and educational resources that help young families achieve the American dream of homeownership.
Policymakers and faith‑based community groups that champion strong families can also consider these trends when advocating for policies that expand affordable housing, support responsible lending, and protect the financial future of the next generation.
What’s Next
Continued monitoring of mortgage application data will be essential to gauge whether the share of young buyers grows as the economy stabilizes and as new housing initiatives take effect. For now, the data underscores that, despite challenges, many young adults remain determined to secure a home for their families.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
