Millennials expected to heat up the Kingston real estate market within the next 5 years

Over the next five years the number of people between the ages of 25 and 30 buying a home for the first time is expected to rise.

The numbers come from a recent survey done by Royal Lepage.

Jenny Lee Northey is a millennial. While she has never owned a house, she hopes to purchase one within the year.

The 31-year-old recently moved back to Kingston with her husband, and they’re looking for a home to settle down in.

“Currently we are renting but we are definitely on the market to look for more a more permanent home to start a family,” says Northey.

In fact, she isn’t the only one her age looking to become a first-time homeowner. Royal LePage surveyed 1000 people between the age of 25 and 30 and found that 72 per cent hope to purchase a home within the next five years.

“They believe that they can save, they can afford a mortgage, and they can buy and they will buy. Which is a nice positive change for our industry,” said Bob Armer, area manager of Royal LePage Kingston.

While 87 per cent of millennials believe home ownership is a good investment, the survey also revealed that 57 per cent of people admit affording a home could be tough.

“So then the challenge is: ‘can I afford one? Are the jobs there?’ — and that’s going to vary from province to city,” said Armer.

For example, if you live in Toronto, finding a home for less than $1 million could be impossible — but here in Kingston, the market is more affordable.

For $350,000, you could buy a two-storey, 1,300-square-foot home with two and a half bedrooms.

For Lee Northey, finding the perfect home won’t be easy, but she has a few ideas of what she’s looking for.

“We’re pretty open, but I think we want to be close to downtown if possible but also looking at some place in the country with a lot of backyard space, greenery.”

With more millennials like Northey looking to buy a home, the real estate market is expected to heat up within the next five years.