What's The Median Age Of A First-Time Homebuyer?

While buying your first home remains the goal for many people today, it can sometimes feel like the goalposts keep moving further away. However, this disheartening feeling might not actually align with the facts, at least according to some recent sales data. Redfin, the online real estate platform and brokerage from Rocket Companies, says that the median age of a first-time homebuyer in 2025 was 35 years old, or one year younger than in 2024, and three years younger than the peak age of 38 in 2018.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR), meanwhile, arrived at a different median age for 2025 – 40, an "all-time high." While the NAR number does represent an upward trend, Redfin's was moving in the other direction (even if only slightly). The platform also reported that in 2025 the median age for repeat buyers declined as well: 47, or five years younger than the peak of 52 in 2024. (By the way, this is what starter homes will look like in 2026.)

The key issue that's blocking younger generations from homeownership is that the increase in salaries isn't proportionate with the increase in home prices. However, there are several first-time homebuying programs in the United States that can help — both at the state and federal level. For example, the Federal Housing Administration offers lower downpayment loan options for first-time buyers, which can help relieve the major obstacle of saving for a 20% to 30% down payment.

If you feel like you're approaching this milestone, review these tips on how to prepare yourself for buying a home in the next year. That said, if a turnkey residence is out of your budget, there are also state-funded home repair loan programs for fixer-uppers. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development can insure loans, and working with a HUD-approved lender helps to safeguard your investment by allowing you to hire the contractor of your choice.

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a home, especially for first-time homebuyers, but it's important not to get eager and then overspend. Even with these financing options, you should always set a realistic budget and avoid stretching yourself too thin. Homeownership is definitely an exciting milestone in life, but buying a house you can't comfortably afford can quickly turn that dream into a burden.