Realtor.com Reports 22.5% Wealth Boost for Early Buyers, Launches HomeGrown Campaign
Households purchasing their first home by age 30 achieve 22.5% higher net worth—around $119,000 more—by age 50 compared to those buying in their 40s. Realtor.com’s HomeGrown campaign highlights that the median age for first-time buyers climbed from 30 in 1990 to 40 in 2025 as prices rose 332% versus 174% income growth.
1. Generational Wealth Report Findings
Realtor.com’s Generational Wealth Report finds households that buy a first home by age 30 have 22.5% higher net worth—an average of $119,000 more—by age 50 than those who wait until their 40s, controlling for income and education.
2. Affordability and Entry Delays
Since 1990, the median homebuyer age rose from 30 to 40 as median home prices climbed 331.8% to $418,000 while household incomes grew 174.2% to $85,000, pushing the years to save for a down payment from 3.2 to 9.7 years.
3. HomeGrown Advocacy Campaign
The HomeGrown initiative aims to address a 4 million-home shortage and a drop in the U.S. homeownership rate to 65.7% by sparking policy dialogue and national action to keep homeownership accessible for younger generations.
4. Business Implications for Realtor.com
By spotlighting affordability barriers and generational equity, Realtor.com seeks to strengthen its market position, engage users on policy issues, and potentially drive higher traffic and advertising revenue through its advocacy efforts.