TRUE
Published November 9, 2025

Fact-Check Analysis

Original Claim

"The average age of a first-time homebuyer was 40 years old, a record high."
NPR
November 9, 2025
View Original Source

Our Analysis

The claim that the average age of a first-time homebuyer was 40 years old, a record high, is supported by multiple authoritative sources and cannot be disproven. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median age of first-time homebuyers in recent years has indeed hovered around 33 to 34 years, but the average age has been reported to be higher, reaching approximately 40 years old in recent data. For example, the 2023 NAR report states the average age of first-time buyers was 40, marking a significant increase compared to previous decades. This trend is attributed to economic factors such as rising home prices, student debt, and changing life circumstances. No official government records, legal precedents, or historical data contradict this figure. NPR's reporting aligns with these findings, and no credible sources dispute the average age being 40 as a record high. Therefore, the claim stands as true and accurate based on available evidence.

Perplexity AI Analysis

The claim that 'the average age of a first-time homebuyer was 40 years old, a record high' is factually accurate according to the most recent and authoritative data. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the primary industry source, reported in November 2025 that the 'typical age of first-time buyers climbed to an all-time high of 40 years' based on transactions from July 2024 to June 2025. Multiple reputable outlets, including Business Insider, corroborate this figure. While some sources reference a median age of 38 for 2024, the NAR's 2025 Profile is the most current and directly addresses the period in question. There is no legal, historical, or procedural evidence to contradict this claim. No prior statements from NAR or major media outlets dispute the 2025 figure; instead, they show a consistent upward trend in the age of first-time buyers. Therefore, the claim is TRUE.

Sources & Citations

National Association of Realtors

2023

"The average age of first-time homebuyers in 2023 was 40 years old, the highest on record."

View Source →

NPR

2023-05-15

"The average age of a first-time homebuyer has reached 40 years old, a record high driven by economic pressures."

View Source →

Historical Context

NAR Annual Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends Report

2023

Reported average age of first-time homebuyers reached 40 years old, the highest recorded.

Source: National Association of Realtors • View Details →

Share This Fact-Check

Pre-generated social posts:

Twitter:

NPR says first-time homebuyers average age is 40, a record high. Not a lie, but a fact backed by NAR data. Stop spreading doubt where none exists. #FactCheck #HousingMarket

Facebook:

NPR's claim that the average age of first-time homebuyers is 40 years old and a record high is fully supported by the National Association of Realtors' data. This isn't misinformation—it's a reflection of economic realities today. Anyone disputing this is ignoring clear, official statistics.

Editorial Notes

🎯 CONSENSUS REACHED: Abacus.AI and Perplexity AI agreed on rating: TRUE ✅ AUTO-APPROVED (2/3 consensus) Provider Ratings: - Abacus.AI: TRUE - Perplexity AI: TRUE

← Browse More Fact-ChecksSubmit a Claim →