There has been a lot of talk about how, as a generation, Millennials have ‘failed to launch’ into adulthood and have delayed moving out of their family’s home. What doesn’t seem to be mentioned in the same context, however, is the large number of Millennials who have moved out of their family’s home, but have been renting an apartment, condo, or even a house! Many experts have looked at the homeownership rate among Millennials and have questioned if they even want to own homes! The great news is that not only do Millennials want to own… they are flocking to the real estate market in larger numbers every year! Buyers aged 18-34 years have comprised the largest share of first-time homebuyers at roughly 50-60% for the last few years. In 2017, buyers aged 25-34 years accounted for 65% of first-time home buyers, compared to 50% in 2005. According to the National Association of Realtor’s latest Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the average age of a first-time home buyer in 2017 was 32. This generation will continue to be the topic of conversation A LOT when it comes to housing as more and more enter ‘average home buying age’.

Experts Need To Stop Lumping All Millennials Together

In a group of people with such a wide age range (18-36 according to the Census), it is impossible to draw conclusions about this generation as a whole, despite what many have tried to do. Many experts have begun to realize that there is a noticeable difference between the behaviors and experiences of this generation, and have therefore divided them into ‘Young Millennials’ (18-26) and ‘Older Millennials’ (27-36). No matter which group you find yourself in, you no doubt have peers that fit into the other category and may even identify with different characteristics from each group. One of the many reasons that it has been easy for experts to lump all Millennials together is the fact that 66% of Millennials are under the age of 30, with 22% falling under the age of 25, according to a study by NerdWallet. With the majority of the generation still in their 20s and either not ready to or not in a position to make huge life-changing decisions (such as buying a home or starting a family), it has been easy for those who follow trends to not notice the progress ‘Older Millennials’ have already made.