"Houses Before Spouses: Millennials and Gen Z are Co-Buying Homes to Beat Housing Market Woes"

Photo byTed Shaffrey

As housing affordability continues to elude many young Americans, a new trend has emerged: Millennials and Gen Zers are choosing to co-buy homes with friends instead of waiting for traditional milestones like marriage. This growing movement, dubbed "Houses Before Spouses," is empowering a generation of prospective homeowners to team up and invest in property together.

Two friends from Austin, Texas, Kristina Modares and Stephanie Douglass, are living proof that this approach works. The duo has co-purchased homes with various partners, from siblings to friends, and now own 24 houses between them. "We own 24 houses, but only one or two are owned solely by us," Douglass explained. "We've partnered on every single other one with our sisters, friends, and parents."

The pair’s success has resonated with a growing number of young people who see homeownership as an important step toward building wealth but find it increasingly out of reach in a high-priced market. Their message, "You don't have to do this in a traditional way," has gained traction on social media, where they share tips on co-ownership and strategies for financial success, such as "house hacking."

“You can still buy a house, start earning equity, and grow your net worth,” said Douglass, who managed to cover her mortgage by renting out parts of her property. This creativity, she believes, is key for young buyers navigating today’s challenging real estate market. Modares echoed the sentiment, saying, "I gained a lot of confidence buying homes with friends."

The "Houses Before Spouses" movement is challenging traditional views on homeownership, proving that financial independence doesn’t have to wait for a life partner.