The relationship between youth and housing has never been so complex — and revealing! On one side, the
Generation Z grows amidst
hyperconnectivity,
transformations in work, and an urban scenario marked by
constant changes. On the other, it faces economic challenges, new consumption patterns, and intensified
environmental concerns. The research "
Portraits of Living - How Brazilian Generations Live and Dream", conducted by the QuintoAndar Group with 2,485 respondents, helps to shed light on this scenario by showing how different age groups perceive the place they live. Of the participants, 27% belong to Generation Z,
ages 18 to 28.
The data reveals important nuances: Generation Z is the most interested in buying a property, the least interested in traditional real estate investment, and the one that feels most vulnerable to
climatic impacts within the home. These contradictions say a lot about how this generation envisions the future — and about how it imagines its own life in cities. Understanding this movement is crucial for
architects,
urban planners,
developers, and
public managers who wish to design solutions that are more aligned with the expectations of this age group.
Generation Z and the intention to buy: desire for stability in an unstable world
One of the most striking findings of the research is Generation Z's strong interest in
buying a property:
50% want to buy, compared to only
18% of baby boomers (61+ years). This disposition is not necessarily due to a desire for "ownership," but to something deeper — the search for a
point of stability in a world that seems always in motion.
At the same time, the research highlights a unique aspect: although it wants to buy, Generation Z has little motivation to
invest in properties. Only
14% consider purchasing as an investment, a rate much lower than older generations. This difference reinforces that, for many young people, owning a home is still not viewed as
wealth.
Proximity, commuting, and routine: the impact of the city on living
Another relevant point is the value placed on location.
Living close to work or school is crucial for 19% of Generation Z, a number that only loses to the 21% of Generation Y (ages 29 to 44). This choice reveals a clear understanding that daily life is shaped by
commuting: the less time spent in transit, the higher the
quality of life. In large Brazilian metropolises, this means
comfort,
economy, and a
more direct connection to the territory.
Moreover,
Generation Z is the least satisfied with their living conditions: only
66% express contentment, versus
78% of baby boomers. This dissatisfaction may be linked to the high cost of living, the standard of housing accessible to young people, and the growing impact of climatic events in urban centers. While
51% of boomers claim to have never experienced climatic damage, only
25% of Generation Z can say the same. It is a generation that grew up under the impact of floods, heatwaves, and structural instabilities — and therefore seeks
homes more equipped for these challenges.
New housing models and the limits of acceptance
Alternatives to traditional housing appear in the study, but not always with enthusiasm. Generation Z shows openness to flexible formats but also reveals its limits. Among them,
14% state they would not live in a tiny house, while other segments show greater rejection. However, these are not the majority desire of the youth — reinforcing that, although there is curiosity about new formats, the
need for space and comfort remains determining.
(Eduardo Macarios/Divulgação)
Co-living,
cohousing, and
subscription models, like flex living, tend to be more associated with youth, but still raise doubts about privacy and rules. Generation Z is interested in the flexibility of these formats but still seeks a
balance between collective life, autonomy, and a sense of belonging — three fundamental pillars for their vision of housing!
CASACOR Publisher is a creator of exclusive content, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base from casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.
