The Median Age of a First Time Homebuyer is Now 40

High mortgage rates and home prices continue to be barriers.

The age of a first-time homebuyer is the oldest it has ever been.

The median age is now 40 years old. The National Association of Realtors also says the share of first-time buyers in the market has fallen to 21-percent, a record low.

Research reveals two evolving snapshots of the housing market. One group of buyers has significant housing equity and can make big down payments and all-cash offers. Meanwhile, the first-time buyer group continues to have difficulty getting into the market. High mortgage rates and home prices continue to be barriers.