Australia’s first home buyers are changing
- Lilly Mackay
- Oct 8
- 2 min read
MyFirstHome research shines a light on the elephant in the room for first-time home buyers, and challenges original perceptions of this buyer group. What used to be a financial goal to tick off in your 20s has slowly but surely been pushing out to something that, increasingly, is now achieved in your 30s. And it’s often after getting some travel under your belt, having the kids and climbing a few rungs on the career ladder - not before.
“[The first home buyer of 2025] is just as likely to be a 35-year-old professional, a couple with school-aged children, or someone looking for stability after years in the rental market.”
Adam Duster, CEO Oliver Hume Home Solutions.
45.3 percent of first home buyers are now aged over 35. They make up 64.1 percent of all buyer-types. Traditionally, buying your first home was a rite of passage completed in your 20s. People followed the well-trodden path of an OE, marriage, first home and then kids. This story is now reshaping.
Why are first home buyers getting older?
MyFirstHome sees two key factors driving up the age of first home buyers.
One: Financial pressures.
Many wannabe first home buyers have been priced out of the market with a lack of affordable housing, higher interest rates and recent cost-of-living pressures making saving for a deposit difficult.
And, with a slow economy in recent years, getting that financial step-up from family has been harder for many who are now having to save for a deposit without help.
Two: Lifestyle expectations.
Secondly, is lifestyle expectations and priorities. No longer are Aussies in their 20s feeling as much pressure to prioritise the big financial step of buying their first home. Particularly given the large sacrifices often required to save a deposit.
Beating out the keys to your first home are other major life priorities. Think overseas travel, higher education and career progression. Feeling settled and secure in your lifestyle and career pathway is more frequently prioritised than previously.
So, how to buy your first home?
Whether you’re in your 30s with a couple of kids in tow, mid 40s and looking to get off the rental hamster wheel or still in your 20s wanting to set yourself up for financial freedom, buying your first home is achievable. And help is available.
There are now government incentives for first home buyers. From 1 October 2025, the federal government’s expanded Home Guarantee Scheme has broadened eligibility. Meaning more Australians can get into their first home thanks to the 5 percent deposit scheme and without having to pay lenders’ mortgage insurance.
Now, with a deposit as low as 5 percent you don’t need to worry about how to buy your first home, you just have to worry about where.
If you’re ready to make that dream of your very first home a reality but not sure where to start, book a discovery call with MyFirstHome today. We’ll coach you through all your options to find an affordable path to home ownership.
