The real estate market is always evolving, and 2024 is no exception. Understanding who today’s home buyers are—and how they’ve changed from previous years—can provide valuable insight for sellers, agents, and industry professionals. Whether you’re looking to sell, invest, or simply stay informed, knowing the demographics and preferences of today’s buyers can give you a competitive edge. Let’s delve into the characteristics of home buyers in 2024 and what is changing and it means for you.
Aging Buyers: A Shift in the Market
The age of the average home buyer has reached record highs. This year, the median age of all home buyers climbed to 56 years old, up significantly from 49 last year. First-time buyers are also older, with the typical first-home purchase happening at 38 years old, compared to 35 in 2023. Repeat buyers, who often have more equity and financial stability, saw their median age rise to 61 years from 58 last year.
What does this mean for sellers? Older buyers often have different priorities compared to younger ones. They may be looking for homes with lower maintenance, accessibility features, or quiet neighborhoods rather than fixer-uppers. Tailoring marketing strategies to appeal to this group—highlighting move-in-ready properties, energy-efficient upgrades, and long-term livability—could make a big difference in attracting the right buyer.
Who’s Buying: Marriage, Singles, and Changing Trends
Married couples continue to dominate the market, making up 62% of all home buyers. This marks an increase from last year, signaling a trend toward dual-income household purchases. Single women also saw a slight uptick, now representing 20% of all buyers, while single men made up just 8%. Unmarried couples saw a slight decline, making up 6% of buyers.
These shifts highlight an important trend: financial stability is key in today’s market. With rising home prices and mortgage rates, dual-income households and financially independent buyers are in a stronger position to compete. Sellers may want to position their homes in a way that appeals to these demographics—think flexible spaces that can serve as home offices, guest rooms, or investment properties.
Diversity in Home Buying
While the majority of home buyers (83%) identified as White or Caucasian, the market continues to see some racial and ethnic diversity. Black/African-American buyers made up 7% of recent purchases, while Hispanic/Latino buyers accounted for 6%. Asian/Pacific Islander buyers represented 4%, and another 3% identified as another ethnicity.
For real estate professionals, this underscores the importance of inclusive marketing. Representation matters, and ensuring that listings and advertisements reflect a diverse audience can help broaden appeal and attract a wider range of buyers.
LGBTQ+ Representation in Home Buying
The majority of home buyers in 2024 identified as heterosexual (88%), but the LGBTQ+ community remains an active part of the market. Three percent of buyers identified as gay or lesbian, 2% as bisexual, and 1% chose to self-describe their orientation. An additional 6% preferred not to disclose.
This data reinforces the need for real estate professionals to create welcoming, inclusive environments for all buyers. From the language used in listings to the customer experience provided, ensuring that every buyer feels valued and respected is not just good ethics—it’s good business.
Key Takeaways for Sellers and Agents
- Target Older Buyers Wisely – With the median buyer age increasing, highlighting convenience, accessibility, and low-maintenance features in listings can help attract interest.
- Cater to Financially Independent Buyers – More married couples and single women are buying homes, which means emphasizing smart investments, home office spaces, and financial incentives can be effective.
- Be Mindful of Diversity – Inclusive marketing strategies can expand your buyer pool, ensuring you’re reaching a broad audience.
- Create an Inclusive Experience – Buyers from all backgrounds, orientations, and identities are participating in the market. A welcoming approach can set you apart from the competition.
The real estate landscape in 2024 is changing, and adapting to these buyer trends can mean the difference between a listing that lingers and one that sells quickly. The characteristics of home buyers in 2024 have changed and it’s essential to abreast of the changes. Ready to make your next move? Let’s connect!
