Some might think that ‘millennial real estate investors’ sounds like a contradiction in terms. Until recently, this generation was happy to rent because of substantial student debt and the desire for flexibility in changing jobs.
Millennials also waited longer than previous generations before getting married and starting families. However, current trends show more millennials have begun to invest in real estate.
In recent years, real estate purchases by people ages 25 - 40 increased significantly. Buyers in this age group now make up close to 65% of the total population. Millennials are also the largest living generation in the U.S.
Millennials recognize the potential for income tax savings when buying a home. They also see property as a potential income source through renting.
Younger buyers have typically had difficulty investing in real estate because of the large down payments required. However, online investing platforms now offer lower-cost options through crowdfunding.
You can have a real estate offer accepted at the cost of only $500 to $5,000. In addition, most syndication or crowdfunding companies outsource property management, leaving the owner free of landlord duties.
Flexibility, low cost, and variety are vital characteristics of crowdfunding that appeal to millennial real estate investors. It’s also easy to manage online, fitting the lifestyle of this tech-savvy generation.
The pandemic changed millennials’ perceptions regarding homeownership. The following factors played a significant role:
After spending so much time working and studying from home, millennials realized they might enjoy more comfort than their rented properties afforded. Many professionals continue in a remote or hybrid model, making it critical to have adequate residential space.
Couples who work and study from home often look for homes with two workstations and an open kitchen.
Most millennials believe property provides a better return than the stock market. Many of them were looking for their first job during the 2008 recession and had trouble finding work. After this experience, they became skeptical about purchasing stock.
Except for some minimalists, most millennials prefer spacious larger homes with spaces that can serve multiple purposes. For instance, a large balcony may double as an exercise area and mini garden.
While a few millennials prefer the suburbs, many choose to settle in the city. Some reasons include:
There’s a trend toward leaving larger cities like Los Angeles and New York. Instead, millennials choose places with low-income tax rates, for example:
Most millennials prefer to invest in homes that are new construction or recently renovated. New dwellings carry several benefits with the decreased chance of a peril claim, leading to better insurance coverage. Modern houses are also more likely to be compatible with many smart home options that improve ease and comfort.
Millennials have always been interested in sustainability, so it makes sense that this characteristic carries over to real estate decisions. Living in the city allows for a shorter commute and a smaller carbon footprint. There’s also access to parks and walkable neighborhoods.
Maybe you’re looking to invest in property to increase your income. Here are some specific approaches to try:
Once you purchase a property, you may wish to share costs with a roommate or rent out a portion of the home. These strategies can help free up funds to invest in more real estate.
If you live in an area with significant tourism, short-term rental properties can yield a notable increase in income. A service like Airbnb or Vrbo can help you find tenants and manage bookings.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) offer young investors the benefits of owning property without the responsibilities of private ownership. They require a smaller investment and give you access to returns that might not be possible as an individual.
You can buy into a REIT involving a collection of assets like:
To take a deeper dive into the details of Real Estate Investment Trusts, you should read:
This strategy, also known as flipping houses, requires an excellent understanding of the housing market. You want to find an undervalued property and renovate it as quickly as possible to sell it for a profit. To do so, you’ll need maintenance expertise or excellent contacts with skilled contractors who charge reasonable prices.
Pre-construction involves purchasing an “option” on a property before the groundbreaking on the development project. You pay a fraction of the cost of developed land.
This type of investment is most successful in high-demand areas with frequent housing shortages. In such locations, prices can skyrocket, and new units often sell before they’re complete, leading to substantial profit for the investor.
Millennials are investing in real estate more than ever before. The Covid-19 pandemic led to conditions that favored these investments.
This generation looks for newer, spacious, multipurpose homes in urban areas. Sustainability is also a significant concern for millennials.
Millennial real estate investors interested in learning more are encouraged to register for our weekly FREE Strategic Group Mentoring sessions. We discuss the best practices for protecting your assets, strategies to achieve tax savings, and pitfalls to avoid when investing in property.
Scott Royal Smith is an asset protection attorney and long-time real estate investor. He's on a mission to help fellow investors free their time, protect their assets, and create lasting wealth.
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