Today’s article from National Public Radio reported that the pent-up demand for homes will mean a greater resurgence in the housing market, but that might change as many young adults who have graduated from college within the past few years are saddled with hundreds of thousands of dollars of student loan debt. But what’s more intriguing is that the younger generation isn’t wondering if they can afford to buy a home but if they want to buy one at all.

Household debt has declined for many homeowners because they have been paying off their mortgages and home equity loans. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, household debt has fallen to its lowest level in seven years. But for the recent graduates, debt load — combined with higher interest rates, higher home sale prices and more stringent lending requirements — will make it impossible for them to achieve the “American dream.”

But that is not the only reason that the 20- and 30-somethings are not buying houses. The NPR article goes on to explain that those who are not married or have no intention of doing so are looking to move into urban areas. Also, since the recession, birth rates began to drop; young couples are either having only one child or no children at all, thereby reducing the need for families to move into larger homes.