Key Takeaways from the 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

The latest Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of REALTORS® gives us an in-depth look at who is buying and selling homes in today’s real estate market. These insights come from buyers and sellers who completed transactions between July 2024 and June 2025.

First-Time Buyers at a Historic Low

First-time buyers made up just 21 percent of all home buyers, the lowest level recorded since the survey began in 1981. This is well below the historical norm of around 40 percent. High rents and student loan debt are significant obstacles in saving for a down payment, and the median age of first-time buyers has risen to 40 years old.

Repeat Buyers With Strong Purchasing Power

Repeat buyers continue to dominate the market, accounting for 79 percent of transactions. Many have substantial home equity built up over time, which has strengthened their buying power. The median down payment for repeat buyers reached 23 percent, and about 30 percent of these buyers paid all cash for their home.

Older Buyers and Sellers

Both home buyers and sellers are getting older. The median age for repeat buyers is now 62, and the typical age for home sellers is 64, both record highs. Many repeat buyers are motivated by the desire to live closer to family and friends.

Household Trends

Married couples continue to be the largest group of home buyers at 61 percent. Single women made up 21 percent of buyers, and single men accounted for nine percent. Fewer buyers have children under 18 in the home, with that share dropping to a record low of 24 percent. Steep childcare costs are one of the reasons cited for this shift.

The Value of Working With an Agent

Real estate agents remain essential for buyers and sellers. Eighty-eight percent of buyers worked with an agent or broker. The top services buyers sought were help finding the right home, negotiating terms, and navigating paperwork. On the selling side, 91 percent of homeowners used an agent to sell their property. Only five percent chose to sell on their own.

Home Search and Satisfaction

Buyers spent a median of 10 weeks searching for a home. The biggest challenge for most buyers was finding the right home, largely due to limited inventory. Despite these challenges, 92 percent of buyers reported satisfaction with their home purchase experience. 

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