Overview
- The National Association of Realtors' 2026 Generational Trends report, released Wednesday, shows Baby Boomers made up 42% of buyers and 55% of sellers.
- First-time buyers fell to 21% of transactions, the lowest share since NAR began tracking in 1981, with NAR’s Jessica Lautz pointing to affordability pressures and scarce listings.
- Millennials accounted for 26% of buyers as their share slipped, Gen X held 25%, and older Millennials stood out as move-up buyers with the highest median income at $132,700 and the largest homes at 2,100 square feet.
- Gen Z represented 4% of buyers and showed distinct patterns, including a higher share of single women at 35% and more unmarried couples at 17%, while entering with lower household incomes.
- Most deals still ran through real estate agents, with 88% of buyers using an agent and 91% of sellers listing with one.