What is the Average Age to Buy a house? What’s the Best Age?

September 9, 2025

Introduction 

Have you ever wondered what the average age to buy a house really is? It is something most of us think about at some point. You hear about people buying in their 20s, others waiting until their 30s or even 40s, and it makes you question where you stand.

The truth is, there is no single “right” age. Everyone’s situation looks different when it comes to the decision to buy a house. It is your job, savings, family plans, and all of that play a role in buying a house. But knowing the average age at which people usually buy a house does give you a starting point, and it helps you see how your own timeline compares.

In this article, we will look at the trends, what influences the timing, and what that means for figuring out the best age to buy a house for yourself.

How Home Buying Age Has Changed Over Time

The age for buying a house has changed over time due to the influence of an increase in price. Bigger loans and slow growth in career. If we look at the average age to buy a house back in 1982, it was around 29 years in the US, as per the  National Association of Realtors. By 1991, it slipped a little to 28, but after that, it started climbing. 

By the 2000s, it moved up to around 32 and then moved to 33 years in 2021. The most surprising shift occurred after that, where, in 2022, the average age to buy a house was 36 years, and the most highest was in 2024 when the average age reached to 38 years. That is almost a ten-year difference compared to the 1980s.  Take a look at this graph for a better view. 

You must also note that it is not just about the age. The number of first-time buyers is shrinking, too. Back then, roughly one out of three buyers was purchasing their first home. In 2024, it dropped to just 24 percent.

Baby Boomers often bought houses in their 20s. Today, people wait longer. Higher prices and tougher finances are the main reasons. Overall, buying a house now happens much later than it did before. 

Buying a House in Your 20s

Buying a house when you are in your 20s may feel tougher for someone than ever. However, it is not out of reach for everyone. Here, we cannot just ignore the high housing prices in the US, students’ education debt, etc. Yes, the average home price touched $417,700 in 2023, and student debt is still around $37,570, so saving up for a down payment can feel very hard. Not only this, today’s young generation prefers to focus on travel or build their career, instead of buying a home early. But this absolutely does not mean that people in 20 years will not be buying their homes. 

Still, with some smart planning and by making use of first-time buyer programs, you can absolutely buy a house at a young age. There are clear benefits like: 

• You learn financial responsibility early
• You may get longer loan terms with lighter monthly payments
• You start paying off your mortgage in real estate sooner, which leaves you room for other investments later.

However, it does come with some challenges. For example, early in your career, your income may not feel stable enough. Your heavy EMIs can overburden your salary, and smaller loan approvals might limit your choices. So, how to get over this? You can keep your emergency funds that can at least cover your 8-10 month expenses. Not only this, but you can secure a term plan that aligns with your loan. If you take a loan, do not repay early so you can take advantage of the tax rebate. 

Buying a House in Your 30s

By the time you reach your 30s, life usually feels more stable. This is because your salary gets improved, and you can have a good career path that brings financial stability. This makes it a good time to buy a house that suits your interests. 

At this age, many people also have a partner to share the cost with. Having two incomes makes it easier to manage EMIs, and you can better plan for the future. Even more, at this stage, most people have a good number of years of work. This also means your credit score is stronger, which helps you get loans with lower interest rates.

But there are challenges too. Families often start to grow, which means the need for bigger homes. This could be costly, too. At this stage, people have more responsibilities, and you may also feel less comfortable taking risks with money.

The best approach is to build a savings fund that covers at least six months of expenses and to have good health and life insurance. With these steps in place, buying a house in your 30s can feel more secure.

Buying a House in Your 40s or Later

When it comes to buying a house in your 40s or later, factors like age, salary, and other factors have to be considered. Mostly, at this time, people usually have a stable job, and some may also have good savings. You also know better what kind of house fits your life and family at this stage, which in turn makes choosing a house easier. 

However, at this stage, retirement is too close and there is a priority to protect your savings for the future. You may also need a bigger home for your growing family, which might end up as a costly deal. Still, there is a way to balance it. You can take a loan with a larger down payment, so that the monthly payment remains comfortable for you. But remember not to touch your retirement savings. 

Comparing Different Age Brackets

Here is a quick look at how buying a house differs across various age groups.

Age Group	Pros	Cons	Life Goals Fit
20s (25–30)	Buying a house now helps you learn money management early.	Job changes and less savings can make it tricky.	Good if you want independence and plan to invest for the long term.
30s (30–35)	You usually earn more and can handle bigger loans comfortably.	Family might be growing and responsibilities higher.	Works well for balancing career, family, and financial stability.
40+	You have savings, experience, and can make smarter choices.	Loans are shorter and retirement is nearer, which can be stressful.	Great if you care about comfort, quality, and long-term security.

Factors That Decide the Right Age for You

Based on the comparison between different ages in terms of buying a house, it is difficult to predict the average and best age to buy a house. We can say that there is no single perfect age. It all depends on your career planning, future, and salary. So here are a few factors that can help you decide the best age for you to buy a house: 

• A stable job is a must to buy a house a budget. This is because a stable job brings savings and good credit. All this helps you buy a house without feeling burdened. 
• Think of where you want to live or settle with your family. Some people’s jobs demand continuous change in work location. In that case, you must decide the location before stepping into buying a house. 
• Also, think about your future. Do you want a family? Then a home can feel safe and secure. Do you love travelling or freedom? A house might feel like a lot of responsibility right now.

Owning a home has rewards. You get your own space. You can build some wealth over time. The best age is when you feel ready. That’s it.

Conclusion

There’s no best age to buy a house, but most people do it in their 30s, so this can be the average age. By then, your finances are steadier and you know more about your career and life goals.

Working with experienced real estate agents in Houston makes the process much easier. Partnering with the Jay Thomas Real Estate Team is one of the best solutions to buy a house in Texas. They help you buy, sell, or rent without stress. You can save money with our home buyer rebate, sell easily with our 2% listing service, get a cash offer, or get advice for investments. They are here to guide you and make real estate simple in Texas.