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Corcoran CEO says Gen Z home-buying woes mirror those of 30-year-old boomers

Corcoran Group chief Pamela Liebman argues that the difficulty young adults face entering the New York housing market today is comparable to the challenges encountered three decades ago.

Having risen from agent to CEO at The Corcoran Group since 1984, Pamela Liebman reflects on the cyclical nature of housing affordability for younger generations. She recalls that in the 1980s, prospective owners were confined to a few coveted Manhattan areas, while today prospects can look across a broader array of Brooklyn and Manhattan locales. Despite the expanded choice, finding an affordable first home is still challenging.

Liebman expects lower mortgage rates to release more homes onto the market as owners refinance, yet she warns that eager buyers may quickly absorb that supply, limiting price relief. She advises young renters to broaden their location preferences and cut discretionary spending, such as premium coffee and rideshares, to build savings for a future purchase.

Why it matters

Understanding generational housing challenges helps buyers and policymakers gauge market pressures and affordability trends.

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housing marketGen Zfirst-home affordabilityinterest ratesmortgagerental costsreal estatesaving tips