Is owning a home starting to feel just out of reach?

If you’re watching prices rise and wondering if it’s even possible to buy a house right now—you’re not alone.

According to the 2025 NextGen Homebuyer Report, nearly 60% of Gen Z and Millennial buyers still believe homeownership is within reach. But here’s the catch: only 19% think now is the right time to jump in.

So how are today’s buyers making it work?

They’re getting strategic—and a little creative.

Let’s look at four out-of-the-box approaches buyers are using this year to break into the market, and how to decide if one of these could work for you.

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1. Buying a Fixer-Upper

Used by: 42% of recent buyers
Great for: Buyers who can see past cosmetic flaws and don’t mind getting their hands dirty
Skip this if: You need move-in ready or don’t have funds for renovations

Fixer-uppers are making a comeback. Why? Because they offer a way into neighborhoods you may have thought were out of budget. These homes often come in 10–30% below the price of comparable move-in-ready listings, leaving room for improvements—and equity.

What’s to love:
✔ Lower purchase price
✔ Potential to customize
✔ Opportunity to quickly build equity

What to watch out for:
✘ Renovations can be time-consuming and expensive
✘ You might need permits, inspections, and contractor help
✘ Financing can be tricky—make sure to look into options like the FHA 203(k) renovation loan

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2. Co-Buying With Family or Friends

Considered by: 1 in 5 buyers overall—nearly 1 in 3 Gen Z buyers
Great for: Buyers who have trusted partners and a solid plan
Skip this if: You’re not aligned financially or don’t have a clear agreement in place

Co-buying is gaining traction—especially among younger buyers teaming up with friends, siblings, or even partners to split the cost of homeownership. It’s a great way to stretch your budget and share the load.

What’s to love:
✔ Shared down payment and monthly expenses
✔ Bigger budget = better location or amenities
✔ Built-in accountability and support

What to watch out for:
✘ Everyone needs to be on the same page
✘ You must have a legal agreement
✘ You’ll want a clear plan for selling or buying out if one person wants out

Tip: Work with a real estate attorney to draft a co-ownership agreement before you buy—this document will lay out how costs are shared, who owns what, and what happens down the road.

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3. House Hacking

Used by: Nearly 19% of buyers
Great for: Buyers open to renting out part of their home
Skip this if: You’re not into being a landlord or sharing your space

Ever thought about making your home help pay the mortgage? That’s the idea behind house hacking. Buyers are getting creative by purchasing properties with rental potential—like a duplex, basement apartment, or even just an extra room.

What’s to love:
✔ Extra income to offset your mortgage
✔ Potential to cover all or most of your monthly costs
✔ Turns your home into a long-term investment

What to watch out for:
✘ Some cities have strict rules about rentals
✘ You may have less privacy or need to manage tenants
✘ You’ll need to plan for taxes, insurance, and maintenance

Pro tip: Always check local zoning laws and short-term rental regulations first—what’s allowed in one city might not be in another.

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4. Moving to a More Affordable Area

Considered by: Nearly half of buyers
Great for: Remote workers or flexible buyers looking to stretch their budget
Skip this if: You need to stay close to a job, family, or school

With remote work becoming more common, many buyers are rethinking location altogether. Instead of compromising on size or condition in high-cost areas, they’re moving to smaller cities or suburbs where their money goes further.

What’s to love:
✔ More space for less money
✔ Lower cost of living and taxes
✔ Opportunity to build wealth faster

What to watch out for:
✘ Could mean a longer commute or fewer amenities
✘ Not all areas appreciate in value at the same pace
✘ It can be tough to shop from afar—especially if you’re relocating cross-country

Ask your agent about emerging neighborhoods or up-and-coming areas just outside the pricier hot zones—you might be surprised by what’s available.

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The Bottom Line

If the traditional path to homeownership isn’t working for you in 2025, don’t give up—just think outside the box. Fixer-uppers, co-buying, house hacking, and relocation are all smart ways buyers are adapting to today’s market.

The key is to get informed before jumping in. Every strategy has its pros and cons, and the best choice is the one that aligns with your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Need help exploring your options? Let’s talk. I’d be happy to help you think through your next move.