Understanding real estate statistics, preferences, trends, and behaviors across different generations is essential to identifying diverse needs and priorities that shape the housing market. A buyer’s age strongly affects their property choices, and generational differences play a major role in creating new trends and behaviors within the market.

According to the official live population counter of Egypt’s Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), Egypt’s population reached around 107 million people in April 2025. CAPMAS also reports that the number of youth aged 18–29 is 21.1 million (51.9% males and 48.1% females), representing about 19.9% of the population. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Planning and Urban Development indicates that 60% of Egyptians are under the age of 44.

With demographic changes occurring both globally and locally, youth (aged 18–44), especially Millennials and Generation Z, are shaping a new demand pattern for housing particularly regarding unit size, location, and financing methods.

To analyze the influence of youth preferences more accurately, this generation can be split into two main groups based on housing needs, as suggested by the 2020 UK study Housing Options and Solutions for Young People targeting ages 20–34:

1. Young working adults without children (DINKOs)
2. Young families (Early Nesters)

Youth Preferences in Home Buying

According to the 2025 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report published by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), youth property preferences are influenced by several key factors:

1️⃣ Location and proximity to work

Young people prefer homes near work centers or close to public transportation.

• 40% of Millennials said transport/commuting costs are a “very important” factor.
• 53% prefer to live near family or friends.

2️⃣ Practical size and layout

They focus less on large areas and more on smart-use layouts.
Medium or small units are favored suitable for independent living or newlyweds.

3️⃣ Property condition

Many buyers aged 26–34 prefer ready-to-move-in homes requiring no major renovations.

• 64% consider property quality and neighborhood conditions the most important factors.

4️⃣ Technology usage in property search

Real estate agents remain important, but digital tools are now crucial:

• 31% find AI useful in the buying process
• 41% use Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to search for homes and market trends

5️⃣ Financing and affordability

Despite income levels, housing prices remain high in the U.S.:

• Many young buyers reduce spending to save for a down payment
• 60% say finding a suitable home at an affordable price is the biggest obstacle

How Youth Preferences Influence Real Estate Supply

1️⃣ Shift in unit types offered

Due to rising housing and living costs, developers are increasingly offering:

• Small apartments
• Studios
• Efficient designs with lower running costs
  Aligned with the growing trend of minimalism and more individuals living alone or as couples without children.

2️⃣ Strong influence on property location

Proximity to transport hubs is key for 40% of Millennials, pushing:

• Higher prices in urban and well-connected areas
• Lower demand in remote areas unless services improve

3️⃣ Transformation in marketing strategies

Developers must adopt digital-first marketing methods.
According to the 2024 Future of Real Estate report by RE/MAX & Canvas8:

• 41% of Millennials and Gen Z use social media for real estate search
• Virtual Reality (VR) showings are now a major competitive advantage

4️⃣ New payment and ownership solutions

With affordability challenges student debt, high living expenses youth are driving innovative financing models:

• Co-ownership: 15% of Americans bought homes jointly to afford the cost
• Rising adoption of shared ownership and co housing in Europe
• In Saudi Arabia: government programs like Sakani to support youth homeownership
• Banks and developers offering more flexible installment plans

Impact of Youth Preferences on Egyptian Real Estate Supply

The Egyptian real estate market has unique characteristics, but shares global trends like:

• Growing demand for smart, tech enabled homes
• Higher costs of ownership pushing financing innovations

Egypt’s large youth population brings entirely new expectations for housing.
With greater exposure to global lifestyles via technology, travel, and education young Egyptians now prefer:

• Smaller but smarter units
• Affordable pricing and flexible payment plans
• Access to services and efficient transportation in new cities

Developers have shifted from large villas and traditional apartments toward:

• Studios
• Smart apartments
• Modern layouts optimized for cost and space

Government initiatives also support youth needs:

• Mortgage financing programs (e.g., 3% and 8% initiatives)
• Public housing offerings: Sakan Misr, Dar Misr, Ganna
• Improved transportation linking new cities to urban hubs

✅ Conclusion

Youth today are leading the demand in the real estate market.
They are redefining:

• Unit design
• Location strategy
• Financing models
• Marketing and technology use

Despite economic challenges, young buyers are becoming:

A major driving force in real estate development, not just consumers, but active influencers shaping the future of the market.