I bought my first (town)house at 19. Don’t regret it at all! Rent in the area was $1100 and our mortgage/insurance/association fees/taxes were $1025. When the time came to sell we walked away with $70k (bought the place for $130k) to put down on another house in a better school district.

Interest rates are great right now. You’ll have to pay PMI if you don’t put down 20% so keep that in mind.

If you’re handy that’s an added bonus b/c you’ll be able to do a lot yourself. Upkeep on houses can be expensive (outdoor-lawn care, pest control, house painting, gutters,etc and then the inside-changing our light fixtures, faucets, painting, remodeling rooms etc).

Good luck on your new place!