Recent data highlights an interesting shift in the Bucks County housing market: homebuyers are getting older. A nationwide survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that the median age of first-time homebuyers in the U.S. is now 40. While the broader Philadelphia metro area sees a slightly younger median age of 38, local census data show a similar trend in Bucks County.

Between 2021 and 2023, only 29% of recent buyers were under 35, a decline from 34% in 2000, while the proportion of homeowners aged 65 and older has nearly doubled since 2000. This pattern reflects broader national trends and highlights the growing affordability pressures young adults face when entering the Bucks County housing market.

For context, NAR data indicate that in the 1980s, first-time homebuyers were typically in their late 20s, showing how demographic shifts and rising home prices have changed the landscape over the decades.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers in Bucks County

• For buyers: Many first-time buyers are older than in past generations, often with more established careers and savings, which can influence the type of homes and neighborhoods they target.

• For sellers: Understanding that many buyers are in their late 30s to early 40s can help in marketing homes and highlighting features that appeal to this demographic.

The Bucks County housing market continues to evolve, and staying informed about buyer trends can help both buyers and sellers make smart, strategic decisions.

Source: Bucks County Courier Times