Home Buyers May 2026

The 2026 home buying market is defined by a deep generational divide: currently dominate the market using accumulated housing wealth, while first-time buyers have reached a record low due to persistent affordability challenges . Despite these hurdles, 2026 is emerging as a "rebalancing year" where income growth is finally outpacing home price growth, offering modest relief for those entering the market. 2026 Buyer Demographics

Over 27% of buyers are now using AI tools to compare mortgage rates, simulate payment scenarios, and review neighborhood data. Community Perspectives home buyers

While their overall share has slipped, Older Millennials (ages 36–45) are now the highest-earning homebuyer generation, with a median household income of $132,700 . The 2026 home buying market is defined by