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Among Generation Z, young people aged 20 to 29, there is a growing preference for rented and furnished studios near work, college, market, and transportation, while homeownership loses strength for those seeking independence, mobility, included services, and a practical routine in the major Brazilian cities of the current real estate market.
Generation Z is changing the way of living in major Brazilian cities. Young people aged 20 to 29 are among the groups with the highest intention to rent properties, prioritizing independence, strategic location, and practicality instead of the immediate purchase of a home.
The trend has gained strength among those who left their parents’ home, lived alone in another city, or began to see property as part of a more flexible lifestyle. The focus has shifted from merely having a roof over their heads to living close to everything, with less bureaucracy and more autonomy in their routine.
Generation Z seeks independence without buying property
The experience of living alone has taken on a different significance for many young people. After getting used to autonomy, returning to their parents’ home is no longer a natural option for part of this generation.
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This is the case of Isadora Goulart, who lived for almost two years in São Paulo because of work. Upon returning to Florianópolis, she did not consider going back to her family’s home and sought a rental property in the capital of Santa Catarina.
Independence has become a central value for this audience. More than acquiring an asset, many young people want to decide where to live, how to get around, and which services they will have nearby.
This choice also resonates with a more mobile generation. The possibility of changing neighborhoods, cities, or jobs weighs in the decision and makes renting seem more compatible with the current routine.
Location matters more than size
Among Generation Z youth, living close to everything has become a priority. Instead of seeking large and distant properties, many prefer smaller spaces in central regions, with easy access to markets, pharmacies, colleges, work, and transportation.
Isadora chose to live in the center of Florianópolis precisely for this reason. The area allows her to handle daily tasks on foot, reducing car dependency and making her routine faster.
Location has become more important than the size of the property. For this audience, living in a compact studio can make sense if it is close to essential services.
This preference is also related to quality of life. Less time commuting means more time for work, study, leisure, and social life.
Rented studios replace old shared houses
The real estate market has noticed an important change in young people’s behavior. According to Sandra Rodrigues, rental manager at Ibagy Imóveis, it used to be common to rent larger houses for groups forming shared houses with four or five residents.
Today, the pattern has changed. Many young people prefer compact and furnished studios, even with less space, as long as they offer practicality, comfort, and good location.
The shift shows a greater search for individuality. Instead of sharing a large house, part of Generation Z prefers to live alone in a smaller, ready-to-use environment with fewer shared responsibilities.
This movement helps explain why studios have gained space in large urban centers. They cater to those who want autonomy without facing the complexity of furnishing and maintaining a larger house.
Ready-to-use property reduces bureaucracy for those who want to leave home
Another strong point is the preference for furnished properties. Many young people look for units where they can move in with few belongings and start living almost immediately.
Sandra explains that, in some studios, the owner already hires an architect, equips the space, and delivers the property with appliances and furniture. For the tenant, this reduces initial expenses, organization time, and practical decisions.
This model suits those starting their professional life, moving to a new city, or not yet wanting to bear the cost of setting up a complete house.
Practicality weighs as much as the price. A ready-to-use property can be more attractive because it eliminates steps that were previously part of moving, such as buying a refrigerator, bed, wardrobes, stove, and basic items.
Homeownership loses strength among young adults
The idea of home ownership still exists, but it has lost some of its appeal among young adults. The source indicates that 46% of Generation Z seeks rental housing, making this age group significant for the real estate market.
There is also data showing that 80% of people between 25 and 39 years old prefer renting to buying a property, with increasingly furnished environments and included services.
This does not mean that buying has become unimportant for everyone. It means that, for a growing segment, renting better matches their life stage, income, mobility, and personal priorities.
Owning a property can represent stability, but it also requires a down payment, financing, a long-term commitment, and less flexibility. For those still building their careers and routines, renting appears as a more adaptable alternative.
Real estate market adapts to the new audience
With Generation Z gaining strength in the rental market, the sector has started to pay more attention to this behavior. The demand for compact, well-located, and furnished studios influences launches, renovations, and rental strategies.
The change is not just in the size of the property. It’s in the package offered: location, functionality, connectivity, included services, furniture, and ease of quickly moving in.
The young person is not just looking for an address; they are looking for a simpler routine. Therefore, properties close to public transportation, commerce, and essential services gain an advantage.
This profile also values practical environments for working, resting, cooking, studying, and hosting visitors, even in a reduced space.
Independence becomes a priority in big cities
The rise of rented studios shows a shift in mindset. For many young people, living well doesn’t necessarily mean having a big house, but living in a functional, well-located place that aligns with their plans.
Generation Z grew up amid digitalization, mobility, and the idea of quick experiences. This helps explain why flexibility and practicality weigh so heavily in housing decisions.
Owning a home is no longer the only symbol of achievement for this segment of the public. Living alone, being close to work, and having freedom in one’s routine have also come to represent personal advancement.
And you, do you think Generation Z is right to prioritize renting, location, and convenience, or should owning a home still be the main goal for those seeking stability? Share your opinion.
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