First-time homebuyers are an endangered species in the U.S.

The dream of homeownership is fading for millions of Americans. 

Figures from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) show that only 24% of housing sales last year were by first-time homebuyers — that's down from 50% in 2010. The typical purchaser is also older than in the past, with an average age of 38, or about 10 years above historical norms. 

Such trends reflect the challenges of climbing on the property ladder as home prices hover near record highs, inventory remains low and with mortgage rates at their highest level in years.