Gen Z buyers lead every generation on affordability trade-offs
Where the US stands globally
The US sits near the global median across all Cotality measures, reflecting a market under pressure but with more flexibility than the UK. British buyers registered the weakest appetite for compromise, with just 42% willing to purchase a smaller home against a global average of 59%.
Canadians proved the most open to downsizing at 68%, while Australians led on lifestyle cuts at 75%.
Hepp challenged the view that renting remains the safer near-term strategy.
“At first glance, renting at $2,000 per month looks cheaper than buying with a $300,000 mortgage,” she said.
“But once you account for principal paydown and the federal tax benefit, ownership becomes roughly cost-neutral at a 6.6% mortgage rate and clearly favorable at 6.0%. Over 10 years, the lower-rate ownership scenario produces nearly $24,000 in savings relative to renting, even before considering any home-price appreciation.”
