First-Time Homebuyer Age Trends: 2018 to 2025

What changed in the 2025 update? The 2025 HMDA analysis shows the estimated first-time homebuyer median age is 36. Compared with 2018, the under-25 share increased from 8.2% to 10.5%, and the 25–34 cohort rose from 35.8% to 37.2%.

This updated chart extends the earlier 2018 vs. 2024 analysis by adding 2025 HMDA-based results. Because HMDA does not include a direct FTHB flag, Polygon Research uses FHA purchase, first-lien, primary-residence, 1–4 unit loans as a proxy for the FTHB. The 2025 update suggests the FTHB age in the prior analysis did not reverse.

The shift is modest, but meaningful. The 25–34 cohort remains the largest segment, while the under-25 group posted the strongest gain. Meanwhile, the 35–44 cohort declined from 28.0% to 26.0%, and the 45–54 cohort fell from 17.6% to 15.7%. This points to entry-level purchase demand remaining concentrated among younger households despite affordability pressure, elevated rates, and limited inventory.

For lenders, the practical use is benchmarking. If a lender’s FTHB age mix under-indexes among borrowers under 35, the gap may point to product fit, down payment assistance visibility, referral strategy, borrower education, or digital conversion. Knowing where demand is concentrated helps lenders align outreach, staffing, product design, and partnerships with active entry-level buyers.