Why So Many People Are Buying Their First Home in Their 40s 

And What That Means for You 

For decades, buying your first home in your 20s or early 30s was considered the norm. 

Today, that’s no longer the reality. 

In fact, the average age of a first-time homebuyer has shifted closer to 40 years old – a reflection of how much the housing market – and financial life – has changed. 

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “behind” when it comes to homeownership, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not too late. 

What Changed? 

Several factors have reshaped the path to homeownership: 

Rising home prices – U.S. housing costs have increased more than 100% since 2005, while incomes have grown far more slowly  

• Higher cost of living, making it harder to save  
• Student debt and competing financial priorities  
• Changing life timelines, including later career and family decisions  

The result? Many people didn’t opt out of homeownership – they simply postponed it. 

The Hidden Cost of Waiting 

While buying later has become more common, there’s an important reality to understand: 

Time in the market matters. 

Many of today’s retirees benefited from decades of homeownership – allowing their home value to grow significantly over time, often becoming one of their largest financial assets. 

When homeownership is delayed: 

• There are fewer years for appreciation  
• Less time to build equity  
• And a greater likelihood of carrying a mortgage later into retirement  

This doesn’t mean you should rush into buying – but it does mean that having a plan sooner can make a meaningful difference over time. 

The Real Barrier Isn’t What Most People Think 

A lot of people assume they’re not ready to buy because: 

• “I don’t have enough saved”  
• “I need 20% down”  
• “My credit isn’t good enough”  

In reality, many people disqualify themselves before ever exploring their options. The bigger issue isn’t always finances – it’s not knowing what’s actually possible. 

What Many Employees Don’t Realize 

There are more pathways to homeownership today than most people expect, including: 

• Low down payment loan options  
• Down payment assistance programs that can significantly reduce upfront costs  
• Guidance on improving credit and preparing financially  

To help you plan, navigate your options, and save money along the way, your company has made a homeownership benefit available to you. 

How Your Employee Homeownership Program Can Help 

Your Employee Homeownership Program is designed to simplify the process and give you a clear path forward by helping you: 

• Understand where you stand today – financially and credit-wise  
• Explore down payment assistance and loan options you may not know exist  
• Create a personalized plan based on your goals and timeline  
• Navigate the process with expert guidance, so you don’t have to figure it out alone  
• Save money through available programs, cost-saving opportunities, and smarter financing strategies  

For many employees, this kind of support is the difference between continuing to wait and actually moving forward with confidence.

A Smarter Way to Get Started 

You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin. 

You just need clarity on what’s possible for you. 

If homeownership is something you’ve been thinking about, your Employee Homeownership Program offers a simple first step: 

A personalized Strategy Session where you can: 

• Ask questions  
• Explore your options  
• Build a plan that fits your situation  

No pressure – just a clearer understanding of your path forward. 

Ready to See What’s Possible? 

Your Employee Homeownership Program is here to help you plan, navigate your options, and save money along the way. 

Book a Strategy Session to get a clear, personalized path forward – based on your unique situation. 

SupportSquad@AdvantageHomePlus.com | (800)511-2197 

The information contained and the opinions expressed in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Advantage Home Plus does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. * Real estate commission contributions are available as state laws allow.