They have strong demand for the American dream of homeownership, but they're really just feeling left behind right now, Jessica Lautz, the deputy chief economist at NAR, said of first-time buyers. Homeownership is a way that many Americans build wealth and unfortunately they're just being pushed to the sidelines for a longer period of time and losing out on those wealth gains. They're also thinking about unique ways to enter into homeownership.
Until the recent declines, July 2023 was the last time that year-over-year prices had fallen. Back then rising mortgage rates were knocking many buyers out of the market. Values started increasing again when the number of homes for sale plunged as sellers backed away, unwilling to give up mortgages they took out earlier in the pandemic with rates of 3% and lower.
Trust is the only thing that can cut through fear, complexity, and industry jargon. And as the market evolves, trust is increasingly the first thing first-time buyers are looking for. Today's borrower, especially the emerging homebuyer, is walking into the market with real concerns. Rising costs, confusing guidelines, cultural barriers, past financial trauma, and years of hearing that homeownership is not for them.
The real estate market was largely frozen in 2025. Boston condo sales continued to slow, as low inventory, high prices and relatively expensive mortgage rates kept many would-be homebuyers locked out of the market. The annual buyer and seller profile from the National Association of REALTORS® found the share of first-time buyers to be at its lowest level in history, as the median age of these buyers hit a record high of 40.
The government will fail to meet its target of building 1.5m homes by the end of the decade, house builders have warned in a letter to the budget watchdog - a fresh blow to Rachel Reeves ahead of what is expected to be a difficult budget in November. In a letter to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), the Home Builders Federation (HBF) - the representative body
More than 27,000 new-buyer mortgages were drawn down in the year to end of September. This is the highest annualised number since 2007, according to the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI). First-time buyers continue to be the most active segment in the market, ­accounting for six out of 10 mortgage drawdowns in that period, during which close to 46,000 mortgages were drawn down.
To qualify for the tax rebate available under the HTB scheme, you must adhere to certain conditions, including that you live in the property as your main home for five years after purchasing or building the property. If you cease to occupy the property as your main residence before those five years are up, the HTB payment must be repaid to Revenue in whole or in part.
Gabriel Veasey, a reader in Central Texas, has children who live near Austin, Texas. They've been hunting for their first home but can't find anything affordable. He asked: Why can't they have the opportunity to buy the starter homes the two bedroom, $200,000 [home] that's just what they need, instead of a three [bed], two [bath] or four [bed], three [bath] home for $400,000 to $500,000 that's just not within their range? Where can my kids go?
There's no arguing it: $36,990 and $39,990 for the Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard were not what consumers had in mind. But, despite Tesla getting its new offerings to a price that is not necessarily as low as many expected, the two cars still have a chance to assist with quarterly deliveries. Here's how: First-time Tesla buyers will lean toward Standard models
A carefully measured relaxation of mortgage lending criteria could open the door for more first-time buyers without triggering a significant rise in loan defaults, a leading banking and finance body has suggested. UK Finance's analysis indicates that a modest increase in lending, facilitated by reduced stress rates, could enhance mortgage accessibility, particularly for those entering the property market for the first time, without substantially increasing arrears.
"Ranch homes are often the preference of first-time buyers and empty nesters due to single-story convenience and ease of maintenance. The style is particularly well-liked in Sun Belt states like Texas and Arizona," said Alexei Morgado, real estate agent and CEO of Lexawise.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has released a discussion paper outlining the potential benefits and risks of rule changes, aiming to support wider access to sustainable home ownership.
