NAR 2025 Profile of Home Buyers, Sellers Reveals Market Extremes
Market Trend Report: The Changing Profile of Home Buyers (2025–2026) people who buy houses
The residential housing market is currently defined by a "tale of two cities," where equity-rich repeat buyers dominate while first-time buyers face record-level barriers. Recent data from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reveals a market shifting toward older, wealthier, and more established individuals. 1. Key Demographics & Shifts NAR 2025 Profile of Home Buyers, Sellers Reveals
Baby Boomers (ages 60–78) remain the largest group, making up 42% of all buyers. Key Demographics & Shifts Baby Boomers (ages 60–78)
Only 24% of buyers have children under 18 living at home—an all-time low. 2. First-Time vs. Repeat Buyers
The top priority is neighborhood quality (59%), followed by proximity to family (47%). Proximity to work has declined in importance to 31%.
Repeat buyers are using a median of $140,900 in gained equity from previous sales to fund their next purchase. FSBO success rates?