Who's Really Buying Homes in 2026? | September 2026 Market Update
Updated: 6 hours ago
Who is driving the 2026 real estate market?
We're almost three quarters of the way through the year and heading into the fourth quarter, so it's a good time to look at who is actually buying and selling homes. You might guess millennials, since they're our largest generation. The answer may surprise you.
Baby boomers are the biggest force in the market
Nearly 42% of all sellers and 55% of all buyers this year are baby boomers. Close to 45% of them are paying cash, which means today's interest rates don't affect them at all.
Millennials and first-time buyers
Despite being the largest generation, millennials account for only about 26% of buyer transactions right now. The average first-time home buyer is now 41 years old, up significantly over just the past couple of years.
Single women make up 25% of buyers
Nearly one in four buyers this year has been a single woman. These aren't recent college grads. They're often middle-aged, freshly divorced or widowed, have a grown child moving back home, or are taking care of an aging parent, and they need more space.
What this means
Nearly 65% of my own transactions are with baby boomers, likely because many of them have been clients for most of the almost 30 years I've been doing this. If you know someone who needs to downsize, wants a second home, is chasing grandkids, or wants a warmer climate off the elevation, let us know. I have a true passion for helping this group.
And ladies, if this message resonated with you, or you have friends who were recently widowed or divorced, are caring for an elderly parent, or have a kid moving back in, we would love to help them as well.
Thanks, everyone. Give us a call anytime. We appreciate your help and your referrals.
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