The crossover first occurred within the second quarter of 2025, when older People barely surpassed the 40-to-54 age group at simply over 26%, a report excessive.
Redfin’s report exhibits the share of housing wealth held by the 70-and-older demographic rising steadily for many years. In 2005, that group held 16.6% of actual property wealth. A decade in the past, the share was 21.6%.
People within the 70-and-older group now maintain roughly $13 trillion in housing wealth. Against this, the share held by People ages 40 to 54 has declined over time. That group managed 29.3% of actual property wealth a decade in the past — in contrast with 26% in 2025.
People ages 55 to 69 nonetheless maintain the biggest share general at 35.3%, however that determine has additionally declined from 37.2% over the previous decade.
Younger Americans have seen little change. These below age 40 held 12.6% of actual property wealth within the third quarter of 2025 — solely barely increased than their 11.9% share a decade in the past.
Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather stated the shift displays long-term home price growth and challenges that youthful patrons face when coming into the housing market.
“Breaking into homeownership wasn’t a simple feat for baby boomers, who confronted excessive inflation and excessive rates of interest,” Fairweather stated in a press release. “However mortgage charges then entered a decades-long decline, fueling years of house value progress that benefited child boomers. These house value good points, together with a rebound in mortgage charges lately, have pushed homeownership out of attain for a lot of youthful People.”
Greater house costs and elevated mortgage rates lately have made it tougher for first-time patrons to enter the market. Consequently, youthful households are buying properties later in life — and in some circumstances, delaying homeownership altogether.
There are early indicators that affordability pressures could ease.
Redfin reported that house value progress has slowed in contrast with the surge seen in the course of the pandemic-era housing market. Mortgage charges have additionally declined in current months with the typical 30-year mounted price shifting nearer to six% — a few of the lowest ranges in additional than three years.
The corporate projected that revenue progress may outpace house value will increase in 2026 — probably bettering circumstances for patrons who’ve been priced out lately.
