Recent months have witnessed widespread debate over the rising average age of first-time homebuyers in the United States, with varying estimates from multiple sources regarding the actual age of these buyers.
According to a report released last year by the National Association of Realtors, based on survey data, the average age of first-time homebuyers reached 40 years—the highest level ever recorded. This marks a significant increase compared to just 33 years five years ago. This figure has been widely used by policymakers as a clear indicator to highlight the housing affordability challenges faced by the largest segment of new buyers.
However, this figure is not universally agreed upon. Estimates from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which rely on credit report data, suggest that the average age of first-time homebuyers gradually declined to 36.3 years in 2024, down from around 38 years at the beginning of the millennium.
Meanwhile, Redfin presented a different analysis based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau. It indicated that the average age of first-time homebuyers was 35 years last year—lower than the estimated 36 years for 2024, but slightly higher than a decade ago, when it stood at 34 years.
These discrepancies in estimates highlight the complexity of accurately determining the true age of first-time homebuyers, especially as research methodologies vary, each with its own strengths and limitations.
In this context, Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, stated that defining a “first-time homebuyer” is not always straightforward. While households that have never owned a home are typically included in this category, certain cases remain ambiguous.
For example, families that previously owned a home but chose to rent for a period before purchasing again may, under some definitions, still be classified as first-time buyers—further adding to the complexity of the issue.
