What the 2026 Homebuyer and Seller Report Reveals About Today’s Real Estate Market
Buying or selling a home in 2026 looks different than it did just a few years ago. First-time buyers are older, more households are exploring creative ways to afford a home, and both buyers and sellers continue to rely on professional real estate guidance.
In fact, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reports that 90% of homebuyers and 92% of home sellers worked with a real estate agent or broker. Those numbers offer an important reminder: navigating a real estate transaction involves more than finding a property or putting a sign in the yard.
NAR has published its Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers since 1981. Its 2026 findings provide a snapshot of how household needs, affordability concerns, and moving decisions are evolving. Here are 10 important takeaways and what they could mean if you’re considering a move in Ventura.
1. Why Are First-Time Homebuyers Still Struggling to Enter the Market?
First-time buyers made up 22% of homebuyers in 2026, up slightly from the previous year’s historic low of 21%.
Although the increase is encouraging, first-time buyers continue to face significant obstacles. Limited affordable inventory and the challenge of saving for a down payment can make it difficult to move from renting to owning.
The median age of first-time buyers also reached 40, an all-time high for the second consecutive year. That is a notable change from earlier generations, when many people purchased their first home much younger.
What this means for Ventura buyers: You may need a more deliberate plan before beginning your home search. Understanding your budget, exploring available loan options, and getting preapproved can help you focus on homes that fit your financial situation.
The goal isn’t to rush into homeownership. It’s to understand what is realistic and prepare to act when the right opportunity comes along.
2. Why Are First-Time Homebuyers Older Than Previous Generations?
The median age of first-time buyers remained at 40 in 2026. However, the report also reveals an important difference between buyers who finance their purchase and those who pay cash.
First-time buyers who financed their homes had a median age of 38. First-time buyers who purchased with cash had a median age of 54.
These numbers suggest that buyers may be taking different paths toward homeownership. Some need additional years to save and qualify for financing, while others may have access to inherited funds, financial assets, or other resources.
What this means for buyers: There is no single age when you should purchase your first home. Your financial readiness, income, savings, and long-term plans matter more than comparing your timeline with someone else’s.
If you’re thinking about buying in Ventura, start with a realistic assessment of your finances and the costs associated with owning a home.
3. Are More First-Time Buyers Purchasing Homes With Cash?
Yes. According to the 2026 NAR report, 10% of first-time buyers purchased their homes entirely with cash, the highest share recorded in the report.
These buyers were more likely than financed first-time buyers to use funds from a cash inheritance, inherited property, or financial assets.
This finding highlights how different buyers may have access to different financial resources. It also shows that the traditional path of saving for a down payment and obtaining a mortgage isn’t the only way people enter the housing market.
What this means for Ventura buyers and sellers: Cash buyers can be part of the local market, but a cash offer isn’t automatically the strongest offer in every situation. Sellers should consider the complete terms, including contingencies, proof of funds, closing timeline, and other conditions.
Buyers who need financing can still make competitive offers with solid preparation and clear communication.
4. Why Are Repeat Homebuyers Getting Older?
The median age of repeat homebuyers reached 62 in 2026, compared with 36 in 1981.
Many repeat buyers are moving later in life, and the report identifies proximity to friends and family as a leading reason for their decisions. Some may be retired or approaching retirement and looking for a home that better supports their next stage of life.
Mortgage-rate lock-in may also be influencing moving decisions. Homeowners with older, lower-interest mortgages may be less inclined to sell unless they have a compelling reason to move.
What this means for Ventura homeowners: Your housing needs can change over time. A home that worked well when your family was growing may no longer be the best fit when you retire, travel more, or want to be closer to loved ones.
Moving to a smaller home, finding a more manageable property, or relocating closer to family can be part of a thoughtful long-term plan.
5. Are More People Buying Homes Without a Spouse?
The makeup of first-time homebuyer households is changing. In 2026, 47% of first-time buyers were married, while 25% were single women, 12% were single men, and 11% were unmarried couples.
The report also found that 5% of first-time buyers purchased with roommates, the highest share in 45 years.
This reflects the different ways people are approaching homeownership. Some buyers are purchasing independently, while others are combining financial resources with a partner, friend, or roommate.
What this means for Ventura buyers: Homeownership doesn’t have to follow one traditional household model. However, buying with another person requires careful planning.
Before purchasing together, discuss how expenses will be divided, who will be responsible for the mortgage, how ownership will be recorded, and what happens if one person wants to sell or move out. Legal and financial advice can help clarify those arrangements.
6. Why Are Multigenerational Homes Becoming More Important?
Fourteen percent of homebuyers purchased a multigenerational home in 2026.
The most common reasons included caring for aging parents, saving money, and accommodating adult children who had never left home or were moving back in.
The report also found that among buyers with children under 18, the share citing help with childcare costs as a reason for purchasing a multigenerational home increased from 11% in 2025 to 16% in 2026.
For many households, sharing a home can provide practical and financial benefits. It may also allow family members to support one another through different stages of life.
What this means for Ventura buyers: If you’re considering a multigenerational home, think beyond the number of bedrooms. Separate living areas, accessible bathrooms, flexible spaces, privacy, and parking can all influence whether a property works for everyone.
You should also check local zoning, building, and permitting requirements before assuming that an accessory dwelling unit or separate living space can be added or used in a particular way.
A home that accommodates multiple generations can be a meaningful solution, but it should be evaluated carefully before you buy.
7. Are Homeowners Staying in Their Homes Longer Before Selling?
Yes. The median length of ownership among home sellers reached 12 years in 2026, an all-time high in the NAR report.
Several factors may contribute to this trend. Homeowners with lower mortgage rates may be reluctant to give them up, while others may not have a strong reason to move. The age of repeat buyers may also play a role, as some homeowners are waiting until retirement or another major life change before selling.
What this means for Ventura sellers: If you’ve owned your home for many years, you may have accumulated substantial equity, but that doesn’t mean you should make a selling decision based on equity alone.
Consider your next housing needs, the costs of moving, the condition of your property, and the financial implications of selling. A review of comparable homes and current competition can help you understand how your property may fit into today’s market.
You don’t need to wait until you’re ready to list to start planning.
8. What Matters More to Buyers When Choosing a Neighborhood?
Convenience to friends and family is becoming a more important neighborhood consideration.
NAR’s 2026 report found that 46% of buyers selected a neighborhood because it was convenient to friends and family, up from 35% in 2015. Meanwhile, the share choosing a neighborhood for convenience to work declined to 31%, compared with 52% in 2014.
This suggests that buyers are weighing lifestyle and personal connections differently than they did in the past.
A convenient commute may still matter, but so can being close to relatives, friends, support systems, and familiar community amenities.
What this means for Ventura buyers: Think about how you want your everyday life to look. Consider the distance to family, schools, shopping, parks, healthcare, and the places you visit regularly.
A home may look perfect online, but the surrounding neighborhood can have just as much influence on your long-term satisfaction.
Before making an offer, visit the area at different times of day and consider how the location fits your routines.
9. Why Do 90% of Homebuyers Work With a Real Estate Agent?
Ninety percent of homebuyers used a real estate agent or broker in 2026, the highest share in four decades.
The report indicates that buyers value professional assistance with finding the right property, negotiating, and understanding the real estate market.
A home purchase involves many moving parts. Buyers must evaluate property condition, review disclosures, understand contract terms, coordinate inspections, and meet important deadlines.
For previously owned homes, 93% of buyers used an agent or broker. For new homes, 62% did.
What this means for Ventura buyers: A knowledgeable real estate professional can help you understand the process, evaluate your options, and make informed decisions as you move toward closing.
The right guidance is especially valuable when you’re unfamiliar with a neighborhood or purchasing a home for the first time.
10. Why Are 92% of Home Sellers Choosing a Real Estate Agent?
The 2026 NAR report found that 92% of home sellers worked with a real estate agent or broker, another all-time high.
Sellers often need help determining an appropriate asking price, preparing their property for the market, marketing to potential buyers, negotiating offers, and managing the transaction.
For-sale-by-owner transactions remained at just 5% of home sales. The report also found that 62% of FSBO sellers already knew the buyer.
Selling a home involves more than finding someone willing to purchase it. The terms, timing, preparation, and marketing strategy can all affect the outcome.
What this means for Ventura sellers: Before listing, take time to understand your competition and what buyers are looking for. A thoughtful pricing and marketing plan can help position your home to attract serious interest.
An experienced agent can also help you evaluate offers beyond the purchase price, including contingencies, financing, and the proposed closing timeline.
What Do These 2026 Real Estate Findings Mean for Ventura Buyers and Sellers?
The NAR report highlights a housing market shaped by changing household needs, affordability challenges, and different reasons for moving.
For buyers, the findings reinforce the importance of preparation. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, buying with a partner, or looking for a property that accommodates multiple generations, understanding your finances and priorities is an important first step.
For sellers, longer ownership periods and changing buyer preferences make preparation just as important. Your home’s condition, location, layout, and pricing all deserve careful consideration before you list.
At The RoylinSells Group, I understand that every move has a different purpose. Since 1990, I’ve helped clients navigate real estate decisions throughout Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and Santa Barbara County.
As an AI-Certified Agent, I also use modern AI tools to support the home buying and selling process. These tools can help organize information, improve marketing workflows, create useful property content, and make communication more efficient. They complement my experience and personal guidance, not replace it.
Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a longtime residence, or planning a move that better fits your family’s needs, having the right information and professional support can make a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Real Estate Market
1. What percentage of homebuyers were first-time buyers in 2026?
According to NAR’s 2026 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, first-time buyers represented 22% of homebuyers. This was a slight increase from 21% the previous year, which was the lowest share recorded in the report. Affordability and limited inventory remain challenges for many first-time buyers.
2. What was the average age of a first-time homebuyer in 2026?
The median age of first-time homebuyers was 40 in 2026, matching the all-time high reported the previous year. Buyers who financed their purchases had a median age of 38, while first-time buyers who paid cash had a median age of 54.
3. Are multigenerational homes becoming more popular?
Yes. Fourteen percent of homebuyers purchased a multigenerational home in 2026. Common reasons included caring for aging parents, saving money, and accommodating adult children. Some families also considered shared housing as a way to help manage childcare costs.
4. How long are homeowners staying in their homes before selling?
The median seller tenure reached 12 years in 2026, according to NAR. Mortgage-rate lock-in, changing household needs, and homeowners waiting for the right time to move may all contribute to longer ownership periods.
5. Do most homebuyers and sellers use a real estate agent?
Yes. NAR reported that 90% of homebuyers and 92% of home sellers used a real estate agent or broker in 2026. Buyers often seek help finding and evaluating homes, while sellers value assistance with pricing, marketing, negotiations, and the transaction process.
6. What should I consider before buying a home in Ventura?
Start by reviewing your finances, getting preapproved if you plan to use a mortgage, and identifying the features and locations that matter most to your household. Consider the home’s condition, ongoing ownership costs, neighborhood amenities, and proximity to family or work. A local real estate professional can help you evaluate properties and understand the steps involved in making an offer.
Sources
- National Association of REALTORS®, Highlights From the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers:
https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers - National Association of REALTORS®, Research and Statistics:
https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics
