There's strong proof that their loans really have pulled down homeownership rates
About 32% of those in their 20s owned a home in 2007, but that's fallen drastically to 21% in 2016.
While the poor labor market and memories of the housing bubble certainly played a role, student debt can explain up to 35% of the decline, according to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York released Thursday.If it sounds small, think of it this way: about half of Americans don't go to college and some of those who do aren't dragged down by student debt. The results suggest that the rise in college costs will result in "weaker spending and wealth accumulation among young consumers in the years to come." It's consistent with surveys that have asked those with student debt if it affected their decision to buy a home. Half of those under the age of 35 surveyed by the National Association of Realtors in 2016 said it had delayed their purchase. And 25% told Pew Research Center that student loans had made it harder to buy a home in 2011.