U.S. Bank Offers Homeownership Guidance as First-Time Buyer Share Falls to 21%
Updated
Updated · U.S. Bank · Jun 8
U.S. Bank Offers Homeownership Guidance as First-Time Buyer Share Falls to 21%
3 articles · Updated · U.S. Bank · Jun 8
Summary
U.S. Bank used National Homeownership Month to publish guidance for first-time buyers, existing owners and borrowers considering home equity loans or HELOCs.
21% of homebuyers were first-timers in 2025—a record low, according to the National Association of Realtors—while the bank said affordability remains the market's biggest hurdle.
4.7 million new and existing homes were sold last year, showing activity persists even as buyers are urged to plan early, review down-payment options and understand total ownership costs.
8.5 years was the average ownership period for sellers in late 2025, with U.S. Bank pointing to a mortgage-rate lock-in effect and promoting home equity borrowing for renovations, debt consolidation and other major expenses.
Nearly two-thirds of U.S. households own their homes, and the bank framed sustainable homeownership as a long-term wealth-building path that varies by life stage and financial goals.