Turning 40 Before Buying? How the First-Time Homebuyer Timeline Has Changed and What Today’s Real Estate Market Means for You

For years, buying a first home was considered a milestone many people reached in their late 20s or early 30s. Today, that timeline has shifted significantly. Across the United States, the average age of a first-time homebuyer has climbed to around 40 years old, marking the highest level on record and reflecting how much the path to homeownership has changed.

Fort Wayne realtor Emily Ewing says the number often surprises people, but it closely mirrors what she sees buyers facing every day.

“Right now, the average first-time homebuyer in the U.S. is about 40 years old, which is older than most people expect,” she explained, “A decade or two ago, buying your first home in your late 20s or early 30s was pretty common, but today many people are waiting longer.”

Several forces have contributed to this shift. Rising home prices, higher mortgage rates, student loan debt, and the challenge of saving for a down payment have all pushed that first purchase later in life. As a result, today’s first-time buyers often look very different than the stereotype many people still imagine.

“In everyday terms, that means a lot of first-time buyers today are more established in their careers, may have kids, or are buying after years of renting, not fresh out of college like past generations often imagine,” Emily said.

While the average buyer age had already been creeping upward for years, the pandemic-era housing market accelerated the change. Before 2020, many first-time buyers were still entering the market in their early 30s. But as competition intensified and prices surged during and after the pandemic, younger buyers were often priced out or forced to delay.

“Before the pandemic, the typical age for someone buying their first home was generally in the early 30s,” Emily said. “But following the pandemic, especially through 2023, 2024, and into 2025, that median age climbed more sharply.”

By 2024, the median age of first-time buyers had risen to about 38, and by 2025 it reached roughly 40 years old, the highest level recorded by major housing surveys. However, that national data doesn’t always tell the full story at the local level.

In Fort Wayne and throughout much of Indiana, first-time buyers tend to be younger than the national average. Emily notes that affordability plays a major role in that difference.

“Indiana and smaller Midwest markets tend to have younger buyers compared with national averages,” she said. “Even though people across the U.S. are generally becoming older when they buy their first home, areas with more affordable housing still tend to attract younger first-time buyers.”

Statewide data from recent years supports that observation, showing many buyers under 35 were likely purchasing their first home, with some parts of Indiana reporting average first-time buyer ages closer to the late 20s. That trend aligns with Emily’s personal experience working locally.

“In my personal experience, I work with a lot of first-time homebuyers in the 25–35 age range,” she said.

Despite some encouraging local signs, Emily believes the broader national trend will likely continue, at least in the near future. Affordability challenges remain, and most forecasts suggest only modest improvement in mortgage rates and home prices.

“Based on current data and expert housing forecasts, it does seem that the average age of first-time homebuyers will continue to trend upward,” she said. “The most important thing to do is save what you can.”

She encourages buyers to prepare early and build savings in ways that work harder for them.

“I specifically suggest to my clients opening a high-yield savings account,” Emily added.

Looking ahead, Emily believes meaningful change would require homes to feel financially reachable again, especially for younger buyers. That could come from lower mortgage rates, slower price growth, or more entry-level homes being built.

“When monthly payments drop to a level that feels manageable, younger buyers don’t have to wait as long to save, qualify, and feel comfortable making the leap,” she said.

She also points to assistance programs and incentives as an important piece of the puzzle. Down payment and closing cost assistance, often offered through state or local housing agencies, nonprofits, or lenders, can reduce the biggest upfront barriers.

“These programs don’t necessarily make homes cheaper,” Emily explained, “but they can make the upfront costs much more manageable, which helps buyers get in the door earlier.”

At the same time, Emily sees an opportunity for builders to meet an underserved demand.

“I believe many builders will start to build more ‘affordable’ homes for this data specifically. I personally feel like that is an untapped market for many builders,” she said.

With higher prices and interest rates becoming the norm, first-time buyers today need a different approach than buyers did in the past. Longer planning timelines, careful budgeting, and flexibility around location, home size, or condition can open up more realistic options.

“First-time buyers today benefit most from being informed, patient, and strategic rather than rushed,” Emily said.

She also notes that the current market, while challenging, offers something buyers didn’t have during the pandemic years, time.

“The market has slowed down, and it’s easier for buyers to think about their purchase decision than it was during the COVID years, when properties were flying off the market.”

For buyers debating whether to wait or move forward, Emily encourages focusing less on headlines and more on personal readiness.

“If you’re financially stable, plan to stay put for a while, and can afford the monthly payment comfortably, buying now can still make sense,” she said. “Waiting might help if you need more time to save, improve your credit, or reduce other debt.”

Ultimately, she says, the right decision looks different for everyone.

“The best move is the one that fits your budget, lifestyle, and long-term plans — not just what you see on the news.”

As the average age of first-time homebuyers continues to rise nationwide, it’s clear that the path to homeownership looks very different than it did for previous generations. Higher costs and longer timelines have reshaped expectations, turning what was once an early milestone into a decision many people reach later in life. Yet, as Emily Ewing points out, local markets like Fort Wayne still offer opportunities for younger buyers willing to plan ahead, stay flexible, and explore available resources.

While no one can predict exactly when market conditions will shift, one thing remains consistent: informed buyers who prepare early and make decisions based on their personal financial situation are best positioned for success. Whether someone is ready to buy now or still a few years away, understanding today’s realities and working with experienced local professionals can make the journey to a first home feel far more achievable.

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