First-Time Buyers Still Shape U.S. Mortgages

A recent national survey found homeownership still carried broad appeal, even with elevated borrowing costs and housing prices pressuring affordability across the US.
A lender review signaled first-time buyers continued making up a substantial share of purchase mortgages, showing entry-level demand persisted despite tougher affordability conditions.
The same review showed first-time buyers were purchasing at higher prices and qualifying with higher incomes than four years earlier, while median age stayed steady.
Smaller median down payments remained common for first-time buyers, while repeat buyers generally purchased pricier homes, brought higher incomes, and had older median ages.
The takeaway for US housing: affordability stayed challenging, yet many buyers kept finding practical ways to pursue homeownership and keep demand resilient.