First-time homebuyers remain scarce, but a record share of them pay all cash

A new report finds generational wealth is widening the divide between homebuyers and those priced out. The median age of first-time buyers also remains at a record high.

<img src='https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5281x3641+0+0/resize/5281x3641!/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F44%2F29%2F2594b31f489c9ae9d50618c1d5c2%2Fgettyimages-2285398438.jpg' alt='A "for sale" sign is posted in front of a home on July 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, Calif. A new report finds generational wealth is helping a record share of first-time homebuyers pay with all cash.'/><p>A new report finds generational wealth is widening the divide between homebuyers and those priced out. The median age of first-time buyers also remains at a record high.</p><p>(Image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=nx-s1-6022491' />