Millennials Seek Homeownership Before Marriage and Fixer-Uppers – NMP Skip to main content

Millennials Seek Homeownership Before Marriage and Fixer-Uppers

May 28, 2019
Photo credit: Getty Images/Rawpixel

Yes, there are more data reports about Millennials and their homebuying habits. In the latest studies, it appears this youthful demographic prefers to buy residential properties before getting married and are open to financing fixer-uppers rather than buying new properties.
 
According to a new SunTrust survey conducted online by The Harris Poll of more than 2,000 adults, 48 percent Millennials who have been married say they and/or their spouse owned a home before marriage, compared to only 35 percent of Baby Boomers. However, putting homeownership ahead of marriage can create some difficulties–the survey also found that 25 percent of unmarried women and 21 percent of unmarried men said if faced with this decision, they would prefer to sell both places and buy a new one after getting married.
 
In a separate survey from LendingTree, 88 percent of homebuyers with student loan debt said they are likely to consider a fixer-upper rather than a brand new property. In order to pay for these properties, the survey respondents said they would tap into personal loans (about 82 percent), auto loans (about 78 percent) and credit cards (about 78 percent). Nearly 58 percent of Millennial homeowners are most likely to have improved their home, with 23 percent of this demographic using credit cards to fund their renovations and another 23 percent of the age group using cash.

 
About the author
Published
May 28, 2019
Zippy Adds Capital For Manufactured-Home Lending Push

The $20 million investment from Saluda Grade will support expansion beyond 27 states and new loan products across wholesale, retail, and community channels

Oct 16, 2026
Inflation Hits 3.7%, Putting Mortgage Rate Relief At Risk

September’s inflation pickup puts recent rate improvements at risk, potentially eroding affordability gains from lower home prices and seller concessions

Oct 14, 2026
PLACE Acquires Ardley, Expanding Push To Turn Existing Borrowers Into New Loans

The latest deal connects borrower retention technology with Maxwell's origination platform and PLACE's real estate network, creating new opportunities for lenders

Oct 09, 2026
Equifax, TransUnion Launch New Tools To Cut Credit Report Costs

Both bureaus introduce ways to purchase credit scores separately from reports, while Equifax reports growing VantageScore adoption and extends $1 pricing through 2028

Oct 09, 2026
Newrez, eXp Realty Form Joint Venture To Target Purchase Business

Revenos Mortgage is set to launch in early 2027, replacing eXp's joint venture with Kind Lending

Oct 08, 2026