Why the Average First-Time Homebuyer Is Now 35+ (and What It Means for You)
If you’ve been thinking, “Shouldn’t I have bought a home by now?”—you’re not alone.
A recent study highlighted by Realtor.com shows that the age of first-time homebuyers is rising—and fast. In fact, depending on the data source, many first-time buyers today are in their mid-30s to even 40 years old.
Let’s break down what’s happening—and what it means for buyers here in Iowa.
The Big Shift: First-Time Buyers Are Getting Older
For decades, buying your first home in your 20s or early 30s was the norm.
Not anymore.
The median age of first-time homebuyers has climbed to around 40, a record high (Realtor)
Other data sources (like census-based studies) show estimates closer to 35 years old (New York Post)
Just a few decades ago, the typical first-time buyer was around age 30 (Media | Move, Inc.)
👉 The takeaway: Whether it’s 35 or 40, the trend is clear—people are buying later than ever before.
Why Are First-Time Buyers Waiting Longer?
There’s no single reason—it’s a combination of market realities and lifestyle shifts.
1. Affordability Is Tougher Than Ever
Home prices have risen much faster than incomes, making it harder to save for a down payment.
The time needed to save for a home has jumped from about 3 years to nearly 10 years (PR Newswire)
2. Higher Interest Rates
Mortgage rates in recent years have made monthly payments significantly higher, pushing buyers to wait.
3. Limited Housing Inventory
There simply aren’t enough affordable “starter homes” available, which delays entry into the market.
4. Life Happens Later Now
People are:
Getting married later
Prioritizing travel or career first
Paying off student loans longer
Buying a home has shifted from a “first step” to a later milestone.
What This Means for Buyers in Iowa
Here’s the good news 👇
While national headlines can feel overwhelming, markets like Ankeny, Ames, and the Des Moines metro are still more accessible than coastal cities.
In fact:
Buyers in more affordable regions often purchase earlier than those in high-cost markets (Axios)
You don’t necessarily need to wait until 35–40 here—but many still do because of financial comfort
👉 Translation: You may have more opportunity locally than you think.
If You’re 30–40 and Haven’t Bought Yet… You’re Not Behind
This is the part most people need to hear:
You are not late. You are normal.
The idea that you “should have bought by now” is outdated.
Today’s reality:
Buying in your mid-30s is common
Buying at 40 is becoming the norm
Many buyers are more financially prepared when they finally purchase
Should You Wait or Buy Now?
This is where strategy matters.
Waiting can make sense if:
You’re building savings
You’re improving credit
You need stability in income
But waiting also has risks:
Prices may continue to rise
Rent doesn’t build equity
You could miss years of appreciation
👉 The key isn’t timing the market—it’s having a plan.
Final Thoughts: The New Timeline for Homeownership
The “old timeline” said:
Buy a home at 25–30
The new reality says:
Buy when you’re financially ready—often 35+
And honestly? That’s not a bad thing.
Many of today’s first-time buyers are:
More financially stable
More intentional
Better prepared for long-term ownership
Thinking About Buying (Now or Soon)?
If you’re curious:
What your budget realistically looks like
How much equity you could build
Or whether now vs. later makes sense
Let’s talk. No pressure—just real numbers and a plan.