The Changing Face of the American Homebuyer — And What It Means for Park City
The latest data from the National Association of REALTORS® reveals a dramatic shift in who is buying homes across the United States — and those trends are highly relevant here in Park City.
Married Couples No Longer Dominate First-Time Buying
In 1985, married couples made up 75% of first-time homebuyers. Today, that number has declined to just 50%.
At the same time:
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Single women now represent 25% of first-time buyers.
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Single men account for 10%.
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Unmarried couples have grown to 11%, up from virtually 0% in 1981.
This evolution reflects a broader cultural shift — and in lifestyle-driven markets like Park City, we see this diversity play out in real time. Buyers in Park City are no longer defined by traditional household structures. Instead, they are professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and individuals prioritizing independence and long-term wealth building.
Single women, in particular, are making homeownership a top priority — a trend that aligns with what we are seeing in Park City, where lifestyle, stability, and investment value intersect.
Fewer Buyers Have Children at Home
Another notable shift: only 24% of today’s homebuyers have children under the age of 18 living at home — down from 41% in 1981.
Meanwhile, 76% of buyers now have no children under 18 at home.
The median age of repeat buyers has risen to 62, reflecting a strong presence of empty nesters in today’s market. For many, selling a primary residence elsewhere frees up capital to purchase in lifestyle destinations like Park City.
This is particularly significant for Park City, where many buyers are seeking:
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A refined mountain retreat
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A long-term investment property
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A primary residence that supports an active, outdoor lifestyle
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A legacy home for future generations
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What This Means for Park City Sellers
Understanding who is buying homes nationally allows us to strategically position properties here in Park City. With fewer traditional family households and more independent, financially established buyers entering the market, messaging, staging, and marketing strategies must evolve accordingly.
In Park City, lifestyle often outweighs necessity. Buyers are motivated by recreation, community, privacy, and long-term value — not simply proximity to schools or growing household needs.
As part of the Sotheby’s International Realty global network, I leverage national data, global insight, and hyper-local expertise to anticipate these shifts and position your property effectively within the Park City market.
If you are considering buying or selling in Park City, understanding these demographic changes is essential to making informed, strategic decisions in 2026 and beyond.
