Despite some precarious positions, 44% of those surveyed said they'd be willing to spend more than half of their monthly income on housing. A third of prospective buyers admit they could have better spending habits, but millennials cling tightly to some expenses. For example, 77% told Clever they wouldn't cut back on their gym memberships, while another 67% said they wouldn't cut back on daily coffee. 

"Even if a millennial gave up their daily coffee — saving about $1,300 a year — it would still take about 61 years to afford a 20% down payment on the median-priced home with those savings alone," the report said. 

Millennials' take on prices, politics and the perfect location

With Clever's median home price at $410,800, the majority of the demographic wants to purchase a house under that threshold. A third will go far lower, being the market for a home costing $200,000 or less. Repeat buyers are more willing to open their checkbooks, with 55% telling Clever they're aiming to buy a home above the median price. 

Just over half of the cohort said they've put off their home buying plans for at least three years, although mortgage rates haven't dropped precipitously during that time. Another 23% told Clever they've waited five years, meaning they likely missed out on the sub-3% rates of the refinance boom. 

Many millennials point their fingers at Washington, D.C., with a third telling the survey that policies have worsened the market. The Trump Administration has blamed their predecessors for today's housing market woes and have discussed affordability at large, but has yet to make a major step forward in helping to push prices, or rates, down.

Desperate shoppers are more amenable to buying fixer-uppers and dealing with pests and other problems, but are flexible with other boundaries. Around a third of millennials said they'd rather live near their in-laws, ahead of other traditional dealbreakers like a busy highway, abandoned properties or a landfill.