First home buyers sidelined from US property market

First home buyers sidelined from US property market. The share of homes sold to first-time buyers dropped to 33% in 2014 - the slimmest portion in 27 years - down five percentage points from 2013, the National Association of Realtors reported Monday. First-time buyers have been playing a weak role in the housing market's rebound, making it tougher for other families to move into a new place. Historically, first-time buyers' share of home sales is closer to 40%. Rising housing costs and strict mortgage standards are making it tough for young families and other first-time buyers to jump into the market, analysts say.