Family, finances, and future plans are shaping the real estate choices of the next generation.

As Thanksgiving approaches, young homebuyers aren’t just thinking about travel plans and turkey dinners—they’re thinking about their future living situations. With rising costs, shifting priorities, and a growing desire for connection, Thanksgiving is influencing how millennials and Gen Z approach housing decisions—especially toward the end of the year.

Thanksgiving Sparks an Emotional Shift

Gathering with family often brings up questions like:

• Do I want to live closer to family?

• Can I afford to travel every holiday?

• Is renting still practical—or is it time to buy?

• Would a bigger home make more sense for hosting?

During the holidays, many young adults rethink their lifestyle goals, and housing often becomes part of that reflection. This emotional motivation—paired with financial awareness—can lead to active home searches during the holiday season.

Young Buyers Want Space—But Not Just Any Space

Thanksgiving gatherings highlight space limitations in apartments and starter homes. Many young buyers begin to think about features such as:
- Open floor plans for hosting
- Guest bedrooms or flex spaces
- Outdoor or patio dining areas
- Nearby parks and community amenities

This helps drive interest toward townhomes, starter single-family homes, and suburban condos—especially in communities offering lifestyle perks like walkability, commuter access, and recreation.

Holiday Travel Expenses Make Buyers Reevaluate Renting

Traveling during the holidays can be costly, especially for renters with rising monthly payments. As younger buyers compare travel vs. rent expenses, many begin to rethink their financial strategies and consider:

• Building equity instead of paying rent

• Buying a home near family to reduce travel

• Purchasing with roommates or co-buyers

• Looking into down payment assistance programs

Thanksgiving season often leads young buyers to explore homeownership more seriously.

Market Timing: Why Some Young Buyers Are Acting Now

Though interest rates have been a challenge in recent years, many market conditions are actually favorable for first-time buyers right now:
- Fewer buyers = less competition
- Motivated sellers willing to offer concessions
- More inventory is sitting longer on the market
- Cashback incentives, rate buydowns & grants available

As a result, the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is becoming a surprisingly active time for young buyers who want to avoid bidding wars and purchase before spring competition returns.

Lifestyle Over Luxury: What Young Buyers Value Most

Young buyers today prioritize function and flexibility over luxury finishes. Instead of oversized homes, many want:

High Priority. Lower Priority

Smart space layout Large formal dining rooms

Energy efficiency Expensive landscaping

Home office area Luxury extras

Walkability Oversized square footage

Community amenities High-maintenance yards

Thanksgiving reinforces the need for connection, comfort, and convenience—values that heavily influence buying decisions.

The Role of Family Influence

For many millennials and Gen Z buyers, Thanksgiving becomes the unofficial “financial check-in” with parents and relatives:

• Conversations about inheritance, down payments, or co-signers

• Questions about refinancing or mortgage strategies

• Getting advice from someone who already owns a home

Family conversations during Thanksgiving often become the first step toward serious buying decisions.

This season isn’t only about gratitude—it’s about reevaluating priorities. For younger buyers, Thanksgiving often becomes the moment to:
- Revisit budget goals
- Explore homeownership
- Consider moving closer to family
- Look for homes with hosting potential

More than ever, Thanksgiving is shaping how—and where—young buyers see themselves living next year.

Are you a first-time buyer thinking about moving after the holidays?
I can help you explore financing options, local market stats, and starter-home opportunities that might surprise you.

Let’s connect before the new year—your home search could start right after dessert!

Matt Witte strives to be the best realtor in Andover, MA.

Any questions about real estate, reach out to Matt Witt,e Andover Realtor, MA