Homeownership Is Possible—Even with Student Debt

Think Student Loans Are Holding You Back from Buying a Home? You’re Not Alone. A recent study found that 72% of people with student loans believe their debt is delaying their ability to buy a home. If you’re nodding your head, you might be wondering:

• Do I have to wait until my loans are paid off to become a homeowner?
• Is it even possible to qualify for a mortgage while still carrying student debt?

These are valid questions—especially when you’re gearing up for one of the biggest purchases of your life. But here’s the thing: you may not need to hit pause on your homeownership goals after all.

So, Can You Buy a Home with Student Loans?

In short: Yes, you can.

Here’s how Yahoo Finance puts it:

“Student loan debt doesn’t have to stand in the way of owning a home. With the right financial plan and a clear understanding of how lenders view debt, it’s absolutely possible to buy a house while still paying off student loans.”

And that’s not just theory—it's backed by real numbers. According to the National Association of Realtors, 32% of first-time homebuyers had student debt when they purchased their homes.

Student Loans Don’t Automatically Put Homeownership Out of Reach Everyone’s financial situation is different, but here’s something to keep in mind: many buyers with student loans have successfully qualified for mortgages and purchased homes—even as first-time buyers. That’s a good reminder that your goal might be more achievable than you think.

In fact, the median student loan balance among recent buyers was around $30,000, and they still made it work. So don’t assume your debt disqualifies you.

According to Chase:

“Student loans are generally treated like any other debt on your credit report—similar to credit card balances or car loans—when mortgage lenders assess your application.”

Translation? If you have a steady income, manageable debt-to-income ratio, and overall healthy finances, you may not need to delay your plans to buy a home.

Bottom Line

Just because you have student loans doesn’t mean homeownership is out of reach. In fact, you might be closer than you think. Before you assume it’s not possible, have a conversation with a trusted lender. They can help you understand your options, clarify what you can realistically afford, and show you how soon you could take that exciting first step toward owning a home.