Baby Boomers' Housing Dominance and Its Impact on Future Generations
As baby boomers approach their later years, they hold a significant portion of the U.S. housing stock and real estate wealth, which is expected to trigger a 'silver tsunami' as they downsize or pass on their homes. This generational shift could potentially address the current housing affordability crisis. However, the high costs of these homes and the mounting debt of younger generations, such as Gen X and millennials, pose challenges. Baby boomers currently own about a third of U.S. housing stock, and their homes are often large and may require significant maintenance. The National Association of Realtors reports that in 2025, baby boomers made up 42% of homebuyers, while Gen Z and millennials accounted for only 4% and 26%, respectively.