As of 2025, the average age of Gen is 21 years old (born from 1997 to 2012).
The oldest member of Gen Z is 28 years old in 2025.
Thus, the oldest members of Gen Z are right at or just below to the average age of first home purchases in 1980 to 2020. Since 2020, the average age of first-time buyers has climbed to almost 40. However, the median age of the US population was approximately 28-29 through the 1990s and now, the median age in the U.S. also sits near 40, at age 39.
Surveys show that Gen Z typically hopes to buy their first home in their mid‑20s to early 30s, with many saying around age 28–30 is their target. These goals are reasonable: most Gen Z would like to make their first time home purchase at the traditional age of prior years.
News and social media posts about Gen Z “cannot afford a home” are a bit silly at this point since Gen Z extends from age 13 to age 28, with an average age of 21. With half of Gen Z below 21, they are not yet in the housing market. Only the oldest members of Gen Z are at a point of buying a home – and the oldest members are at the average or below the average age of recent decades’ first-time home buyers.
According to Zillow, home prices in over half of U.S. counties have fallen. In my neighborhood, prices are -10% to -12% below their recent peak. Home prices will likely regress to the mean and cost less in the near future.
🏡 Gen Z’s Homeownership Aspirations
- Realtor.com Survey (2025):
- Among Gen Z adults (ages 18–27), two‑thirds (67%) view homeownership as an important lifetime goal.
- Many respondents said they would like to buy their first home by their late 20s, though affordability challenges may delay that timeline.
- National Association of Realtors (NAR) Generational Trends Report (2025):
- Gen Z buyers (ages 18–24) already make up a small but growing share of first‑time homebuyers.
- The data suggests that while some start in their early 20s, the majority expect to purchase closer to age 28–30, aligning with when Millennials typically entered the market.
- Homebuyer.com Research (2025):
- Gen Z mortgage applicants are concentrated in the 22–27 age range, but the average age for their first purchase skews closer to late 20s.
🔑 Why Late 20s to Early 30s?
- Affordability pressures: Rising home prices and student debt make early 20s ownership difficult.
- Life milestones: Many Gen Z buyers want to wait until stable employment or family formation.
- Wealth building: Despite challenges, 69% of Gen Z agree real estate is a key way to build wealth.
📊 Summary Table
| Generation | Typical First Home Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gen Z | 28–30 (goal) | Some start earlier, but affordability delays many |
| Millennials | 30–32 (actual) | Entered market later due to Great Recession |
| Gen X | 28–29 | Earlier access to affordable housing |
