How old are most first time home buyers?

Asked by: Mr. Mackenzie Goyette I  |  Last update: February 12, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (33 votes)

First-time homebuyers in the U.S. are getting older. The median first-time homebuyer has reached an all-time high age of 38 years old, three years older than in July 2023, according to the National Association of Realtors' 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers report.

At what age do most people buy their first house?

But is there a right age when these factors should be in place? Are these the factors Americans should consider when deciding to become a homeowner for the first time? In 2022, the average age of first-time homebuyers was 36, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This is up from 33 in 2021.

At what age do most people buy their first property?

Dr Prasad: Typically, individuals used to find work, get married and buy a house to raise kids in. But house prices have increased, requiring more years of savings – and often two incomes - to purchase a house. This has increased the average age at which individuals buy their first house to 36.

What percent of 25 year olds own a home?

And despite recent, record-high home prices and rising mortgage rates, Gen Zers are ahead of older generations. In 2022, 30% of 25-year-olds owned a home. At the same age 28% of millennials, and 27% of Gen Xers owned homes, according to real estate brokerage, Redfin.

Is owning a home at 30 good?

The age of 30-35 is often considered an ideal time to buy a home for several reasons: Financial Stability: By this age, many individuals have established their careers, leading to more stable incomes. This financial stability makes it easier to qualify for a mortgage and afford monthly payments.

This Is The Average Age A First Time Home-buyer (Wow)

28 related questions found

Is a 25 year old house too old?

Although rarer, a 25-year house that has been properly maintained with many upgraded/replaced components will be, in many ways, like a newer home that could offer the buyer many years of low-maintenance living.

Is 30 too late to build wealth?

Take Advantage of Your 30s

It may feel challenging to save and build wealth, but at this stage in your life, just getting a start, cutting back in some areas and contributing in others can go a long way toward helping maximize your investments. Your future self will thank you.

Will Gen Z be able to buy a house?

The turbulent economy of the last few years has left more than a few people wondering, “Will Gen Z be able to afford houses?” The short answer (and good news) is probably yes — despite some potential trepidations surrounding homeownership, first-time homebuyers who were born between 1997 and 2012 may have cause for ...

Is it smart to buy a house at 25?

Key Takeaways: Most first-time homebuyers make a purchase when they are 35. Buying a house at a young age can mean building equity young and getting a home paid off sooner. Purchasing a house in your 20s or earlier can also mean you feel trapped, unable to move at a moment's notice.

How many 32 year olds own a house?

The homeownership rate among young adults (those under 35) has declined from 45% in 1990 to 39% as of 2022. The number of first-time homebuyers increased to 32% in 2023, up from 26% in 2022. The typical recently purchased home was 1,860 square feet, had three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and was built in 1985.

Is it really harder to buy a house now?

Buying a house just doesn't feel possible right now. Home prices have doubled in the last decade, with much of that growth happening in just the last four years. By one measure, housing affordability has fallen to its lowest level since the 1980s.

What is the average age people pay off a mortgage?

Data collected by NASDAQ suggests that while only 28% of homeowners below retirement age have paid off their homes, nearly 63% of those 65+ have done so. These statistics highlight Americans' importance in entering retirement with freedom from what is usually their highest monthly fixed cost.

How many people are first time home buyers?

Among all home buyers in the United States in 2023, first time home buyers accounted for approximately 32 percent of the total.

What is the average first home price?

The typical starter home sold for $240,000 in February, up 3.4% from the prior year, according to Redfin. In February of 2020, the median sale price for such homes was $169,000, while the average mortgage rate hovered around 3.5%.

What age do people move out?

The average age when people move out of their parent's home is between 24 and 27. This makes a lot of sense – it's after many people have completed college or secondary studies, and around the time when most people get married and/or are in a long-term relationship with a serious partner.

What is the average down payment on a house?

"It's definitely not required." Nationally, the average down payment on a house is closer to 10% or 15%, Hale said. In some states, the average is well below 20% while some are even below 10%, she added. Some loans and programs are available to help interest buyers purchase homes through lower down payments.

At what age should you own a home?

While there's no “right” age, there are trade-offs between buying when you're a young adult and waiting until you're older. Why buy a home earlier in life? If you can swing it, homeownership in your twenties or thirties brings many advantages.

Can I buy a house making 25 000 a year?

Yes, if you make $25K a year, you can likely afford around $580 per month for a monthly mortgage payment. With a 6% fixed rate and a 3% down payment, this could buy you a house worth about $100,000. However, consult a mortgage lender for exact numbers tailored to your situation.

Is 25 too late to start real estate?

Whether you're in your twenties, forties or even beyond, there's no such thing as being too late to start investing in real estate.

Will millennials ever afford a home?

The average millennial has 30% less wealth at 35 than the average baby boomer did at the same age. And they only have 9.4% of the total U.S. wealth, compared with 51.8% for boomers. The coming years could be tough for younger buyers, since there aren't nearly enough properties to meet demand.

Is Gen Z struggling financially?

A recent Bank of America survey highlighted Gen Z's struggles. Blaming the cost of living, 52% of respondents said they don't make enough money to live the life they want.

How long is Gen Z expected to live?

Most people expect to work to 65. That varies by generation, however: Gen Z expects to retire at age 60, Boomers at 72, Millennials at 64 and Gen X at 67. 32% of Millennials and 30% of Gen Z expect to live to 100 – higher than the 22% of Gen X and 21% of Boomers who expect to become a centenarian.

How much money do I need to invest to make $3,000 a month?

$3,000 X 12 months = $36,000 per year. $36,000 / 6% dividend yield = $600,000. On the other hand, if you're more risk-averse and prefer a portfolio yielding 2%, you'd need to invest $1.8 million to reach the $3,000 per month target: $3,000 X 12 months = $36,000 per year.

How rich should I be at 40?

The median net worth at age 40 is around $135,300. This is according to the Federal Reserve's most recent Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). However, what your net worth should be depends entirely on your personal situation.

How to invest 100k to make $1 million in 10 years?

4 Good Investment Choices for Turning $100k into $1 Million
  1. Real Estate. Real estate remains a solid option for those wondering how to invest 100k to make $1 million in 10 years or less. ...
  2. Stock Market. ...
  3. Index Funds or ETFs. ...
  4. Buying Established Businesses/Websites.