New LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance Report Shows Perceived Barriers to Homeownership for LGBTQ+ Gen Z Adults

A survey conducted for the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, sponsored by REMAX®, suggests that LGBTQ+ Gen Z adults may face a different path to homeownership and wealth-building than their heterosexual peers.

According to the Alliance’s sixth annual LGBTQ+ Real Estate Report, respondents believe young LGBTQ+ adults are more likely to encounter barriers related to career advancement, financial stability, family financial support and homeownership. The findings are particularly significant given Gallup data cited in the report show that 23% of U.S. adults under age 30 identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, representing roughly 16 million people nationwide.

The report is based on a survey of nearly 400 adults conducted by the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance through their annual member survey and social media outreach. Respondents were asked to compare how two otherwise identical Gen Z individuals, one heterosexual and one LGBTQ+, might fare in areas such as career advancement, financial stability and homeownership.

The report’s key findings include:

• The definition of the American Dream differs markedly:
  Homeownership ranked as the top milestone for heterosexual Gen Z adults. For LGBTQ+ Gen Z adults, “living in a safe community” ranked first, while homeownership ranked sixth.
• Affordability and access concerns are shaping housing outcomes:
  Respondents who anticipated delayed homeownership for LGBTQ+ adults cited less family financial support, housing discrimination or fear of discrimination, and lack of down payment funds as the leading factors.
• Homeownership may happen later for LGBTQ+ consumers, delaying equity gains:
  Respondents believe heterosexual adults will purchase their first home between ages 30 and 34, while LGBTQ+ adults are expected to enter homeownership later, between ages 35 and 39.
• Respondents expect family financial support to favor heterosexual peers: 78.9% believe heterosexual individuals are more likely than LGBTQ+ individuals to receive inheritance or down payment assistance.
• Many respondents foresee a future wealth gap:
  56.6% believe heterosexual Gen Z adults are more likely than LGBTQ+ peers to build significant wealth over the next 20 years, while 49.1% believe they are more likely to achieve long-term financial stability.

As younger consumers work toward homeownership in an increasingly challenging environment, understanding the perspectives and priorities of LGBTQ+ buyers may help agents build stronger relationships and better serve a growing segment of future homeowners.

Download the 2026 LGBTQ+ Real Estate Report to explore the full findings and insights.