- Americans aged 70+ now control 26% of the nation’s real estate wealth, a record high.
- This age group surpassed 40–54 year olds in share of real estate wealth in 2025.
- 40–54 year olds and 55–69 year olds both lost share, while under 40 held steady.
- Home price gains and rising rates have hindered younger buyers from entering the market.
Senior Housing Share Surges
According to IREI, Redfin data shows Americans aged 70 and older held 26% of the nation’s $48T real estate wealth in Q3 2025. This share increased from 21.6% ten years ago and 16.6% twenty years ago. Notably, the 70+ age group surpassed the 40–54 cohort for the first time in Q2 2025. By Q3, both groups each held a 26% share of total US real estate wealth.
Generational Divides in Real Estate
The 40–54 age group, long the dominant holders of real estate wealth, saw its share drop to 26% from 29.3% over the past decade. The 55–69 bracket also declined to 35.3%. Young adults under 40 remained flat, holding just 12.6%. The senior housing segment is the only group to show consistent gains over the years. At the same time, many renters are staying in their homes longer and delaying moves, reinforcing broader shifts across the housing market.
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Why Senior Housing Wealth Is Rising
Industry observers point to decades of falling mortgage rates and rising home values as major drivers benefiting senior housing portfolios. According to Redfin’s Daryl Fairweather, historic home price gains and more recent mortgage rate rebounds have put homeownership beyond reach for many younger buyers, further entrenching wealth among older owners.
Looking Ahead in Senior Housing
Housing affordability shows early signs of improvement for younger buyers. Income growth now outpaces home price increases in several markets. Meanwhile, mortgage rates have declined to around 6%, easing pressure on monthly payments.
Redfin expects additional relief for first-time buyers in 2026 as conditions gradually improve. However, older Americans will likely maintain their dominant share of housing wealth for the foreseeable future.
