What age group is buying the most houses?

Baby Boomers are currently buying the most houses, making up 42% of all U.S. home purchases in a recent period (July 2023-June 2024), a significant shift back to their dominance after Millennials led the market. This surge is driven by substantial built-up equity, allowing many Boomers (especially those 60-78) to purchase homes with cash, giving them an edge in a competitive market. Millennials follow as the second-largest group (29%), with Gen X (24%) and Gen Z (3%) making up the rest of the market.

What age group buys the most houses?

Baby Boomers Dominate U.S. Home Buyers

Baby Boomers make up 42% of all U.S. home buyers, the largest share of any generation. Younger Boomers (ages 60 to 69) account for 26% and are the largest demographic of home buyers in the U.S., while older Boomers (70–79) represent 16%.

What salary to afford a $400,000 house?

To afford a $400k house, you generally need an annual income between $90,000 and $135,000, though this varies by interest rates, down payment, and debt, with lenders often looking for housing costs under 28% of your gross income (28/36 rule). A lower income might suffice with a large down payment or higher interest, while more debt requires a higher income, potentially pushing the need to over $100k-$120k+ annually. 

Which age group owns the most houses?

Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) own the most homes and hold the largest share of U.S. housing wealth, significantly more than other generations, with older Boomers (70s) and younger Boomers (60s) making up the biggest segments of current homebuyers, often using cash or family support for purchases, while older adults (65+) have the highest homeownership rates overall. 

Are there more home buyers over 70 than under 35?

Some reports claim there are now more buyers over age 70 than under 35, based on REALTOR® data. While the “average age is 70” may be exaggerated, the trend toward much older buyers is unmistakable.

Get out before it's too late. (builders release 2026 warning)

Is 72 too old to buy a house?

The bottom line: Your age doesn't matter to mortgage lenders; your ability to pay for the home does.

Can I afford a $300 k house on a $70 k salary?

If you're an aspiring homeowner, you may be asking yourself, “How much house can I afford a with $70K salary?” If you make $70K a year, you can likely afford a home between $290,000 and $360,000*. That's a monthly house payment between $2,000 and $2,500 a month, depending on your personal finances.

Which generation has it the hardest financially?

It's complex, but Generation X often struggles with being the "forgotten middle," facing high debt (student, credit card) while being squeezed by supporting Boomers and preparing for Gen Z, feeling less financially secure, while Millennials & Gen Z face unprecedented housing costs and student loan burdens, making wealth building difficult despite potentially higher incomes at certain points. Each generation faces unique hurdles: Boomers dealt with high inflation/interest rates early on, Gen X with recessions/dot-com bust, Millennials with the Great Recession/slow job market, and Gen Z with soaring housing/tech costs. 

Who is most likely to buy a house?

Millennials and Generation X accounted for a combined 62% of home buyers in 2024, with Millennials making up 38% and Gen X following at 24%. Millennials, the largest group of buyers, can be split into two distinct groups: Older Millennials (ages 34–43): Representing 21% of the market.

How many 30 year olds are married and own a home?

Why ONLY 12% of 30 Year Olds Are Married & Own Homes. This chart went viral on the internet lately regarding only 12% of 30 year olds being married and owning a house, while 75 years ago it was more than 50%.

How much house can I afford if I make $70,000 a year?

With a $70,000 salary, you can generally afford a house between $210,000 and $350,000, but your actual budget depends heavily on your credit score, existing debts, down payment, and current mortgage rates, with lenders often following the 28/36 rule (housing costs under 28% of gross income, total debt under 36%). A good starting point is keeping your total monthly housing payment (PITI) under $1,633, but a lower Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio and larger down payment increase your buying power. 

What is a good credit score to buy a house?

640-699: Qualified for a home loan, but not the best mortgage rates available. 700-749: Strong borrower with access to good interest rates and more home loan options. 750-850: Excellent credit! You'll qualify for the best interest rates and loan terms.

What is the true cost of owning a home?

A typical homeowner in the U.S. might expect to shell out about $45,400 a year for home expenses. The costs to consider before owning a home include things like a mortgage, HOA fees, increased utilities, lawn care, and home maintenance and repairs.

Why aren't Gen Z buying homes?

Gen Z struggles to afford homes due to rapidly rising housing costs outpacing wage growth, high student loan debt, elevated mortgage rates, and a severe shortage of affordable starter homes, making down payments and monthly payments incredibly challenging compared to previous generations, forcing many into long-term renting or relying on family help.
 

Are boomers buying the most homes again?

According to the National Association of Realtors®' 2025 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report, baby boomers accounted for 42 percent of U.S. home sales between July 2023 and July 2024, topping millennials, who accounted for 29 percent.

How old is the average home buyer?

Median Age of All US Homebuyers: 59 Years.

What is the hardest month to sell a house?

The hardest months to sell a house are typically January, December, and October, due to cold weather, holiday distractions, post-holiday financial fatigue, and people waiting for spring for school schedules. January often sees the lowest activity, longest time on market, and lower prices, making winter the slowest season overall. 

What are the 3 C's of home buying?

These three essential factors — Credit, Capacity, and Collateral — play a pivotal role in determining your eligibility and terms for a mortgage.

How many houses to sell to make 100k?

To make $100k, you generally need to sell around 8-10 houses, but this varies hugely by average home price, commission rate, and expenses, with higher-priced homes requiring fewer sales, while selling lower-priced homes (e.g., $100k) could mean selling 20+; you'll net less after broker splits and costs, so aim for more transactions or higher value properties for better income. 

Which is the unhealthiest generation?

Recent research shows that members of the Baby Boomer generation have worse health than previous generations did at the same ages—diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses are more common.

What generation has the worst debt?

Generational trends in debt patterns indicate that Generation X holds the highest average student loan balances, while Millennials are increasingly facing significant credit card and auto loan debt. Baby boomers also exhibit notable bankruptcy rates, reflecting their financial struggles.

What generation will inherit the most money?

Generation X (Gen X) will inherit the most money in the next decade, receiving roughly $1.4 trillion annually from Baby Boomers, but Millennials are projected to receive the largest total haul over the long term (next 25-30 years), potentially over $40 trillion, as the "Great Wealth Transfer" shifts from Boomers to these younger generations. Gen X gets the immediate windfall as Boomers pass, while Millennials will eventually get the biggest overall share by 2048, making both key players in this massive economic shift. 

What salary to afford an $800000 house?

To afford an $800,000 house, you typically need an annual income between $200,000 to $260,000, depending on your financial situation, down payment, credit score, and current market conditions.

What credit score do you need for a $300,000 house?

There's no one-size-fits-all credit score requirement to buy a $300,000 house. But a score of 620 or higher will open the door to conventional mortgage options, while those with a lower score might consider applying for an FHA loan.

What credit score is needed for a mortgage?

You generally need a credit score of 620 or higher for a conventional mortgage, but requirements vary significantly by loan type, with FHA loans accepting scores as low as 500 (with a 10% down payment), VA loans having no official minimum but lenders often wanting 580-620, and USDA loans typically needing around 640, though some lenders offer options for lower scores across the board, say Freedom Mortgage and Fidelity.