Just to set the record straight

kanybal

2867

154

Saw this post on the front page this morning.

Just thought to myself: this guy is incredibly well-off. Or lucky. Or both, why not both?

But the fact that it triggered responses such as this one bothered me

I kinda wanted to set the record straight about us Europeans. Oh and the rest of the world too. Ok, truth is, I was interested in the research/answers, so I just went and looked it up

Let's start with the US

Evidence #1: OP from earlier post is luuuuuuuuuucky
Source: http://universe.byu.edu/2011/10/11/average-age-of-first-time-homeowners-remains-high/

Let's move on to Europe: UK: 35 years old

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/9533491/Average-first-time-buyer-is-now-35-research-finds.html

Germany: 36 years old

Source: http://www.realtor.org/intlprof.nsf/Pages/Germany

France: 31 years old

Sorry about the article being in French :P It just basically says that the average homeowner is 52, and the average age of the first time buyer is 31 years old. Soooo I've got a few more years ahead of me, which is nice. I guess.
Source: http://tempsreel.nouvelobs.com/immobilier/achat-vente/20130724.OBS0838/qui-sont-les-proprietaires-en-france-en-2013.html

And the winner is... Canada ! Average: 29 years old

Are you really surprised ?

I must admit I couldn't find statistics about Sweden, so maybe @littlesushibox was right. Or maybe he just has very wealthy friends. Nothing wrong with that!

Source: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/mortgages/are-you-average-this-is-what-first-time-home-buyers-look-like-in-canada/article10931739/

And then, for the sake of honesty...

Here's a final article that shatters all my hard work, bringing new statistics to the table. Anyway, it's still clear that buying at less than 25 years of age is far from average, so I guess my point remains unchanged. Anyway.

Source: http://www.globaltimes.cn/china/society/2010-08/568479.html

Hoping this wasn't too boring a read.

And that my English isn't making your eyes bleed ! Here's a genet for your pains.

CaptainBucket

I think it's rare if someone my age ( earlier twenties) has even moved out of their parents place.

12 years ago |

professorsquirrel

Having seen the original post and having a 24-year old life crisis, this is comforting. Thank you OP

skylark28

Backing up with actual facts.... two thumbs up! (BUT only one upvote)

Makethesunshine

Although the sources may not be 100% reliable, +1 for researching it!

Kuraudo3

I think everyone was wondering about that but too lazy to look it up. Thanks so much for posting this!

damntheusernamegodstohell

From the UK,bought my house when i was 24(2 yrs ago)i had to live with my parents and recluse myself for 5 yrs.It can be done if you want it

JoshAtlas

+1 for effort

jesscuhman

This was awesome. I'm 26 and looking to buy a house next year. I'm ahead of the game (Canada)

doublesatan

I totally trust China Everbright Bank as a neutral source!

Yeah, I wasn't too sure about that either, so I decided to still include it for fairness (I haven't exactly checked my other sources either)

Smegcinq

I saw this and thought it was ridiculous! Congrats on original OP for affording a first home and congrats OP on setting the record straight

thechickenwhisperer

I was 42 when I bought my first house, but I was a drug addict and alcoholic for years. with a good paying job and a plan it took 3 years.

also, I live in the US... just thought that should be mentioned as the statistics seem to be global.

HerrWeekender

In Germany it is very common to rent. If you want a house, you'll have to move to suburb or rural areas. Some buy flats, but most rent.

I'm 35 and I didn't even think of buying property. I'm just not interested in owning a house. A rental flat is so much more convenient.

Lyrian

I'm in Ontario Canada and I bought a house at 25 last year. But then I was one of those boring people who saved money, and got a good job.

oklahoma858

ME TOO! I bought mine at 19 and should have it paid off in another 7 years thanks to paying more every month than required.

Julidy1

I just bought a flat in the UK. I'm 34. I'll have the mortgage til I'm 72! Yay me!! Seriously though, thanks for the genet.

That is crazy to me! I am 22 bought my first house at 19 and will have it paid off at 29. Granted I put down 20% and am paying more than 1/2

the required amount monthly, and my interest rate is only 2.75%, but I could not see myself paying a mortgage for that long.

amidalapadme

I'm from europe and earn about $400 a month. Have good school but work in retail because I can't get a better job without experience 1/2

and I can't get experience because no one will hire us without having it in the first place. I'm 22, speak 3 languages and see no way out..

mynameisnotbarry

I will get better, for sure. You're still young, just keep trying.

Lepiment

I live in Paris. I'll never be a home owner :(

I live in Massy and I don't even consider buying around here :P (Well coming from Maine-et-Loire I find the région parisienne unattractive)

Gerschgorin42

When I looked for the price to know when I will be able to afford it :