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Unpredictable climate disasters could begin stunting U.S. home sales, according to a survey by DocuSketch.

Sixty-one percent of Millennials and 69% of Gen Zers say severe weather has made homeownership less appealing. By contrast, 42% of Generation X and 26% of Baby Boomers say factors like family or lifestyle would influence their perspective on homeownership.

Other key survey takeaways…

  • Fifty-three percent of Millennials and 62% of Gen Zers say they feel the need to be more careful about choosing a location to purchase a home.
  • Sixty-nine percent of all survey respondents said they were worried about property damage in high-risk areas.
  • Nearly half of all U.S. consumers (47%) now view owning a home as a riskier investment.
In 2024, there were 24 confirmed severe weather events in the U.S. causing more than $1 billion in damage for each. Between 1980 and 2023 the U.S. averaged of 8.5 events per year.

In 2025, the average cost of home insurance will also be a risk factor, as the price rises to $2,304 per year or roughly $192 per month, with details like location, age and square footage, deductibles, policy limits and the cost of building materials included in the cost.

Forty-one percent of Millennials and 44% of Gen Zers say the rising cost of insurance is making homeownership less likely.

According to DocuSketch, the top three considerations for U.S. consumers overall are:

  • Cost of living.
  • Proximity to areas of interest.
  • Risk of natural disasters.
Regional trends and differences from the survey include 52% of residents from the Northeast saying they would consider relocating if severe weather events became more frequent, while residents from the Western U.S. show a slightly higher tolerance for risk, with only 46% saying there is a strong likelihood to move from high-risk areas.

Meanwhile, 44% of Southerners say they would prioritize being close to friends and family over relocating due to disaster risks, compared to 35% in the Northeast.

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