Economists' Outlook

Housing stats and analysis from NAR's research experts.

Home Buyer Characteristics by Age

The REALTORS® Confidence Index, based on approximately 3,000 random responses each month, provides insight on home buyer characteristics.  An analysis of buyers by age shows the differences between age groups.

  • Sixty percent of buyers aged 34 and under previously lived in a rental unit, compared to 34 percent of buyers aged 35 to 55.

Prior Living Status

 

  • Buyers aged 34 and under have shown to make relatively low downpayments compared to buyers aged 56 and older, who typically put over 20 percent towards their downpayment.

Downpayments by age

 

  • Buyers aged 34 and under are generally first time buyers.  In contrast, buyers aged 35 and older typically buy homes for relocation purposes due to a job change, or for “other” reasons—typically moving from one home to another as personal and family circumstances change.

Reasons for Purchase

Notice: The information on this page may not be current. The archive is a collection of content previously published on one or more NAR web properties. Archive pages are not updated and may no longer be accurate. Users must independently verify the accuracy and currency of the information found here. The National Association of REALTORS® disclaims all liability for any loss or injury resulting from the use of the information or data found on this page.

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