Very low inventories and rapidly rising prices have largely framed the housing market this year. But a closer look at buyers and sellers in 2018 reveals other intriguing trends in real estate, illustrated by a new report from the National Association of Realtors.

Here are five great takeaways:

Marriage not necessary:

The share of married buyers has reached the lowest point since 2010 with 63%. Single women made up the second largest group of buyers at 18%, followed by single men with 9% and unmarried couples with 8%.

The decrease in the number of married couples reveals that marriage is no longer a prerequisite for the purchase of a home. "You do not need a ring," says Jessica Lautz, Director of Demographic Data and Behavioral Understanding at NAR.

Hard for beginners:

Weak inventory of entry-level housing and rapidly rising prices continue to confuse first-time homebuyers. This year, the share of first-time buyers has fallen to 33%, from 34% last year and well below the historical norm of 40%.

"They did not come back," explains Lautz.

Nearly a quarter of first-time homebuyers (23%) left their parents' homes directly before buying a home, a new record. Lautz notes that it may be so that some beginners can be competitive in the current market. "They are not stuck in a lease and its schedule," she says. "They can save for a down payment because they do not pay rent."

Homebuyers bought an average of 7% of the sale price, compared to 5% last year and the highest level since 1997. Overall, homebuyers registered down 13% from 10% in 2017 and the highest level since 2005.

Former recurring buyers:

Repeated buyers are getting older. The median age was 55, compared to 54 last year and a record for the survey.

Lautz says these young baby boomers are healthier than their counterparts in the past, so they do not need to move to assisted living or downsizing, which has become less of a reality. less common. "Many buy multigenerational homes and take care of their parents, or their children go home," says Lautz.

Many homeowners who bought their home eight or ten years ago at the height of the previous real estate bubble also blocked the sale of their home while they were waiting to recover their capital. This is another reason why repeat buyers might be older.

Student loan woes:

College debt remains a significant challenge for potential buyers. Nearly one quarter of homebuyers reported student loan debt of $ 28,000 on average, while two in five first-time homebuyers reported having a median debt of $ 30,000 in education.

Of the 13% of buyers who said that saving for a down payment was the most difficult part of buying a home, half said their debt-related Student loans had hindered their ability to save for the purchase of a home or their down payment.

"Even with a thriving economy and many job opportunities in many markets, student loan installments associated with exorbitant rents and rising house prices make it extremely difficult for potential buyers to set aside their savings, "said NAR Chief Economist. Lawrence Yun said in a statement.

Less children:

The proportion of homebuyers with children under 18 has reached the lowest point in 37 years of probing, at 34%, reflecting the recent low birth rate in the country, said Lautz. "It's changing the neighborhood shoppers are watching. Schools are a reduced preference. Some buyers may be willing to settle more than ever in growing neighborhoods.

In addition, buyers without children may be satisfied with homes with fewer than three bedrooms, a recreation room or even a townhouse or condo if they do not see children in the future. Many buyers are also interested in running their home for their pets. Fifteen percent of buyers this year said that it was important that their home be close to green spaces or a pet vet. This is the first time that NAR has asked this question.

"It's less for two-legged babies," explains Lautz, "and more for four-legged furry babies."

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