NAR 2026 Buyer Profile: First-Time Buyers Fall to 22% Share, Median First-Time Age Hits Record 40
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released its 2026 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers on November 6 at its NAR NXT conference in New Orleans: first-time buyers accounted for just 22 percent of purchases over the past year, near the lowest share on record, and the median first-time buyer age rose to a record high of 40.
The report also found that sellers had lived in their homes for a median of 12 years, the longest tenure on record. Speaking at a conference forum, NAR's deputy chief economist said affordability constraints are keeping younger buyers on the sidelines and lengthening the time needed to save a down payment, leaving pent-up demand that could be released if rates and prices ease.
The Profile is NAR's flagship annual survey of home buyers and sellers nationwide. This year's data extend recent trends: a depressed first-time buyer share, rising buyer ages and longer ownership tenures, reflecting the effect of high prices and mortgage rates on housing mobility between generations.
(Source: National Association of Realtors)
Source: National Association of Realtors
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
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