Older Americans maintain record share of housing wealth

"Americans in the 70-and-older group now hold roughly $13 trillion in housing wealth. By contrast, the share held by Americans ages 40 to 54 has declined over time. That group controlled 29.3% of real estate wealth a decade ago compared with 26% in 2025."

"Redfin's report shows the share of housing wealth held by the 70-and-older demographic increasing steadily for decades. In 2005, that group held 16.6% of real estate wealth. A decade ago, the share was 21.6%."

"The shift reflects long-term home price growth and challenges that younger buyers face when entering the housing market. Those home price gains, along with a rebound in mortgage rates in recent years, have pushed homeownership out of reach for many younger Americans."

Housing wealth distribution in the United States has shifted significantly toward older Americans. Those aged 70 and older now hold approximately $13 trillion in real estate wealth, representing just over 26% of total housing wealth—a record high that exceeds the 40-to-54 age group for the first time in 2025. This demographic held only 16.6% of housing wealth in 2005, increasing to 21.6% a decade ago. Meanwhile, the 40-to-54 age group's share declined from 29.3% ten years ago to 26% currently. The 55-to-69 group still holds the largest share at 35.3%, down from 37.2%. Younger Americans under 40 have seen minimal change, holding 12.6% compared to 11.9% a decade prior. This shift reflects decades of home price appreciation benefiting baby boomers, combined with current affordability challenges for younger buyers facing elevated mortgage rates and high home prices.

Read at www.housingwire.com