2025 Generational Trends in Home Buying & Selling

Apr 18

At The Mortgage Gurus, we believe that informed buyers make confident decisions—and this year’s data from the National Association of REALTORS® is packed with insights that matter. Whether you're buying your first home, upsizing for your growing family, or planning a move for retirement, here’s what the numbers say about today’s real estate market.

Who’s Buying in 2025?

Millennials Are Leading the Charge
Millennials (ages 26–44) represent 29% of all homebuyers in 2025.

Younger Millennials (26–34) are mostly first-time buyers, highly educated, and often moving directly from their parents’ homes.
Older Millennials (35–44) tend to be dual-income couples purchasing larger homes for growing families.

Gen X Is Buying Big
Gen X (45–59) buyers earn the highest median income ($130K) and are purchasing the largest homes on the market. Many are seeking multi-generational homes or better neighborhoods for their families.

Boomers Remain Active Players
Baby Boomers (60–78) account for a whopping 42% of buyers. Their top motivations? Downsizing, moving closer to family, and relocating after retirement. This group also moves farther than any other—typically relocating 35 miles or more.

Gen Z Is Entering the Market
While still a small share (3%), Gen Z (18–25) buyers are making their first steps into homeownership. Many rely on family assistance and are opting for older, more affordable homes.

How Buyers Are Financing Homes

Financing by Age
74% of buyers financed their home purchases, but the younger the buyer, the more likely they are to rely on financing:

96% of Younger Millennials used financing
Only 41% of Silent Generation buyers took out a loan

Where Down Payments Come From

Younger buyers: Rely on savings and gifts from relatives
Older buyers: Use equity from the sale of a previous home
Student loan debt remains a major barrier—43% of Younger Millennials report carrying a median balance of $30,000

Creative Sacrifices to Save
To make their dream of homeownership a reality, many buyers cut spending on non-essentials, cancelled vacations, or took on side jobs.

Who’s Selling Homes in 2025?

Baby Boomers Dominate the Seller Market
Boomers (ages 60–78) make up 53% of home sellers. Most are downsizing or relocating to be closer to family. Many have owned their homes for over 15 years.

Millennials Are Selling Too
Younger sellers, like Millennials, are selling because their homes are now too small—or they’re relocating for work.

Sellers Are Strategic
Most sellers (90%) worked with a real estate agent. On average, homes sold for 100% of their final listing price. However, 36% of sellers adjusted their asking price at least once before selling.

What Buyers Want from Their Real Estate Agent

Across all generations, buyers still turn to real estate professionals more than any other resource—despite using the internet during their search.

Buyers rely on their agent to:

Find the right home
Negotiate price and terms
Guide them through paperwork
Recommend inspectors, lenders, and service providers

Honesty, experience, and responsiveness are the most valued agent traits, especially among Gen Z and Millennial buyers.

What This Means for You

At The Mortgage Gurus, we see beyond credit scores and down payments—we see people with real stories and real goals. Whether you're entering the market for the first time or making your next big move, we’re here to help you navigate every step with clarity and confidence.

📩 Let’s get you pre-approved and one step closer to your new home. DM us or click the link in our bio to get started today!

Source: 2025 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report by the National Association of REALTORS®. View the full report here.
Charts and analysis reinterpreted by The Mortgage Gurus.