The top priority is neighborhood quality (59%), followed by proximity to family (47%). Proximity to work has declined in importance to 31%.
Only 24% of buyers have children under 18 living at home—an all-time low. 2. First-Time vs. Repeat Buyers people who buy houses
NAR 2025 Profile of Home Buyers, Sellers Reveals Market Extremes The top priority is neighborhood quality (59%), followed
A widening divide exists between those entering the market and those leveraging existing home equity. First-Time Buyers Repeat Buyers 21% (Historic Low) Median Age Median Down Payment Financing Type Mostly financed (90%+) ~30% All-Cash 3. Purchasing Behavior & Preferences First-Time Buyers Repeat Buyers 21% (Historic Low) Median
Buyers now plan to stay in their homes for a median of 15 years , a massive increase from the 6-year average seen in the early 2000s.
The "typical" home buyer is no longer a young family starting out. Significant demographic shifts include: