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3mo ago

U.S. Homebuyer Median Age Jumps to 59 as Younger Buyers Pivot to Co‑Buying and Incentives

Affordability pressures coupled with scarce starter homes are delaying first purchases.

A study shows that 15% of Americans have co-purchased a home with a person other than their romantic partner—and another 48% would consider it.
Home ownership used to be a key factor in the American Dream—but young people are increasingly being priced out of the market.

Overview

  • Apollo economist Torsten Slok, using NAR data, says the median age of all U.S. homebuyers reached 59 in 2025, up from 39 about 15 years ago.
  • NAR data reported by Fortune shows the average age of first-time buyers hit 40 in 2025, underscoring how entry into homeownership has shifted later.
  • Gen Z buyers are leveraging FHA loans, first-time buyer grants and Mortgage Credit Certificates, while tapping builder rate buydowns, rate locks and lender shopping that researchers say cuts borrowing costs.
  • Younger purchasers are favoring energy‑efficient new construction and relocating to more affordable metros, with Zonda citing strong Gen Z ownership in places like Port St. Lucie, Lakeland, Myrtle Beach and Naples.
  • A Coldwell Banker/Harris Poll finds 71% of aspiring buyers are delaying at least one life milestone, including 84% of Gen Z, as co-buying gains traction with surveys showing roughly 15% have co-purchased with non‑partners and nearly half would consider it.