As a twenty-something Realtor in Middle Tennessee, few headlines have hit me quite like the recent report naming 40 as the new average age of a first-time homebuyer. It’s a statistic that stopped nearly everyone in our industry in their tracks, but for those of us on the ground, it only confirms the reality we've been living in since post-COVID.
Our generation is packed with talented professionals in tech, healthcare, finance, hospitality, and entertainment, but is undoubtedly the most affected by our area’s rapid economic growth. We’re earning degrees, climbing corporate ladders, launching small businesses and intentionally choosing (or choosing to stay in) Nashville for its culture, energy and opportunity. Yet, when it comes to homeownership, many of these same friends find themselves still unable to qualify for suitable housing within half an hour of Music City. It’s not that Gen Z and Millennials don’t want to buy homes (in fact, the opposite is true!), but the gap between aspiration and attainability has widened dramatically since 2022.
For many of my peers, the question isn’t “What/where should I buy?” — it's “Will I ever be able to afford a home in this city?”
Do they choose the 1/1 condo on the edge of town, even if it doesn’t fit future plans for pets, children, or guests, or do they consider a townhome/single-family residence in a suburb 30+ miles away, sacrificing proximity, community, and the lifestyle that initially drew them to Nashville? For many, neither option feels fully right, and too often, neither is financially reachable without significant trade-offs.
Rising construction costs, limited inventory, interest rate fluctuations, and rapid appreciation across Middle Tennessee have all played their part. Nashville’s growth has been incredible for our economy, but it has also reshaped the definition of a “starter home” for those who live, work, and thrive here.
What used to be an entry-level single-family home is now priced—and designed—more like a move-up product. And while income levels are rising, they’re simply not rising fast enough to keep pace with the cost of living and homeownership.
This is where real estate professionals have a responsibility, especially those of us who are the demographic being impacted. As a REALTOR® teetering the line between Gen Z and Millennial, I feel that responsibility deeply. It means educating friends and clients on market realities without discouraging their dreams. It means knowing the creative financing tools, builder incentives, grant programs, and lending options that can make homeownership more accessible. It means helping buyers explore nearby communities they may not have considered, or new construction options that offer better long-term value than they initially expected.
But most importantly, it means advocating for more attainable housing in Music City. If our city wants to retain young talent, we must ensure that the people who make Nashville vibrant can also root themselves here, because a thriving city is built not just by those who move here, but by those who can afford to stay.
Brandon Wood – Your REALTOR® Friend – is a Nashville-based agent known for his marketing expertise, hospitality-driven service, and deep connection to Middle Tennessee. As a proud member of the Hometown Team at Compass + New Home Sales Lead for the local Patterson Company, he helps buyers and sellers navigate one of life’s biggest milestones with clarity and confidence. Rooted in heart, hustle, and genuine care, Brandon is committed to creating a smooth, informed, and meaningful real estate experience for every client he serves.
