Aging Out: First-Time Homebuyers Hit Record Low, Age Hits All-Time High
- Neil Caron
- 22h
- 2 min read
November 6, 2025 | Market Trends | Presented by ReadySetLoan™️
The dream of homeownership is still alive — but it’s arriving later in life. New data shows first-time homebuyers now make up a smaller portion of the market than ever before, while their average age has climbed to a record high. High prices, rising rates, and shrinking inventory have made it harder for younger buyers to get their foot in the door, fundamentally reshaping what “first-time buyer” means in today’s housing market.
📉 Fewer First-Timers in the Market
First-time homebuyers now account for just 21% of all home purchases, marking a record low. A decade ago, they made up nearly double that share. For many would-be buyers, affordability hurdles and competition from cash-heavy repeat buyers have delayed the leap into homeownership.
Those delays have a ripple effect — fewer new homeowners entering the market means slower turnover, reduced mobility, and a longer wait for younger generations to start building equity.
👵 First Home, Later in Life
The typical age of a first-time buyer has reached 40 years old — an all-time high — while repeat buyers now average 62. That’s a stark contrast from just a generation ago, when first-time homebuyers were often in their late 20s or early 30s.
Today’s first-time buyers are more financially established but often face steeper entry costs. They tend to have higher incomes and stronger savings profiles but also carry more debt and face higher living costs. The path to ownership has become longer, but not impossible — it just requires smarter strategy.
⚠️ What’s Driving the Shift
Several key forces are reshaping the homebuyer landscape:
Affordability challenges: Elevated home prices and higher borrowing costs continue to push entry-level homes out of reach for many.
Limited inventory: Fewer starter homes are being built or listed, keeping competition fierce.
Equity advantage: Existing homeowners are using built-up equity and cash offers to outpace first-time buyers.
Lifestyle shifts: Many buyers are delaying major life milestones like marriage or family, extending the timeline before buying a first home.
🐷 RSL Piggy Points
First-time buyers now represent just one in five home purchases.
The average age of a first-time buyer has reached 40.
Repeat buyers are older than ever, averaging 62.
High prices and limited supply continue to squeeze entry-level buyers.
Education and strategic financing remain the keys to getting started.
Neil’s Take 🎤
“This isn’t about giving up — it’s about gearing up. Today’s first-time buyers are coming to the table later in life, but that also means they’re often more financially prepared. The right planning and program selection can make the difference between waiting another year and finally getting the keys.”— Neil Caron, Area Sales Manager, CMG Mortgage
🐽 Snout-Out: The RSL Perspective
At ReadySetLoan™️, we see this as a new kind of first-time buyer era — one defined by resilience and strategy. Connecticut buyers facing rising costs and limited supply still have pathways to ownership through education, personalized guidance, and creative financing solutions. The race may have more hurdles than before, but with ReadySetLoan™️ as your resource partner, you can still cross that homeownership finish line strong. 🏁
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