The report, based on responses from 23,000 participants across income groups and regions, indicates that stable employment, easy digital loan processing, and rising aspirations are pushing younger professionals—especially Gen Z and millennials—to buy homes soon after starting their careers. Among all buyers, 32% were under 25, highlighting a sharp departure from the earlier financial norm of saving for years before purchasing property.
Interest rates remain the single most decisive factor in choosing a home loan, cited by half of younger respondents. Even minor rate fluctuations significantly affect decisions. Speed of approval also matters: most young buyers prefer lenders that process applications within 24 to 48 hours. At the same time, trust remains crucial, with borrowers favoring institutions that have operated for decades.
Income levels shape repayment strategies. Participants earning up to ₹5 lakh annually said they were willing to allocate about 25% of income toward EMIs, while those earning between ₹11 lakh and ₹40 lakh were comfortable committing roughly 40%. High-income respondents indicated readiness to spend up to half their annual income on housing installments, suggesting strong confidence in long-term financial stability.
The survey also highlights demographic disparities. Men accounted for 91% of respondents, though women’s participation in property ownership is steadily rising. In 2024, women were involved in 1.29 lakh residential transactions across major cities, representing 14% of total deals.
Procedural challenges remain a concern. Excessive documentation and unclear loan terms were cited by 76% of respondents as major obstacles. Nearly half of rural participants identified paperwork as the biggest hurdle, a figure comparable to metro respondents.
Analysts say the trend reflects changing attitudes toward debt and investment. Younger buyers increasingly view real estate as both a lifestyle asset and a financial hedge, especially amid fluctuating rental costs and inflationary pressures.
With India’s workforce skewing younger and digital lending platforms expanding, housing demand from first-time buyers is expected to remain strong. Industry observers note that lenders and developers may need to tailor products, pricing, and approval systems to this demographic if they want to sustain growth in the coming decade.
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