The National Association of Realtors' 2026 generational trends report puts first-time buyers at 21% of buyers, the lowest share in the series. The headline points to affordability, but the mechanism can be different in every market: deposit, payment, supply, student debt, transaction cost or competition from equity-rich buyers.
Source: NAR generational trends research
Which single change would help a genuine first-time buyer most where you live: more suitable construction, a lower purchase tax, deposit support, planning reform, longer fixed-rate products or simply lower prices?
If proposing a subsidy, also ask where the extra purchasing power would go when supply is fixed. Country-specific answers are essential, and programme rules should be linked to an official source.
Source: NAR generational trends research
Which single change would help a genuine first-time buyer most where you live: more suitable construction, a lower purchase tax, deposit support, planning reform, longer fixed-rate products or simply lower prices?
If proposing a subsidy, also ask where the extra purchasing power would go when supply is fixed. Country-specific answers are essential, and programme rules should be linked to an official source.