Why Don’t You Wanna Live Vertically? A Perspective from Gen-Z in Surabaya Metropolitan Area, Indonesia

This study investigates why Generation Z in Surabaya remains reluctant to live in vertical housing despite strong urbanization pressures and policy promotion. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach with 340 respondents aged 18–27, the research identifies five key factors influencing preferences: physical environment, psychological-social concerns, social status and stress, economic considerations, and cultural accommodation. Factor analysis explains 45.1% of total variance, while structural equation modeling reveals that physical environment preferences play a central mediating role. Economic factors affect psychological-social concerns both directly and indirectly, and cultural accommodation strongly shapes social status perceptions but does not directly influence physical preferences. Qualitative analysis of 411 statements shows consistently negative psychological themes, predominantly negative economic sentiments, and more balanced views of physical attributes. Subgroup analysis reveals stronger economic effects among early-career professionals than students. The findings challenge purely rational housing choice models, demonstrating that cultural and economic factors shape psychological acceptance through indirect pathways. Recommendations include culturally sensitive designs (flexible guest rooms, communal gathering spaces), innovative ownership schemes (rent-to-own, cooperative models), and reframed marketing emphasizing lifestyle enablement rather than amenity features.