Thanks to years of home appreciation and longer ownership, many boomers have built up substantial equity—often allowing them to buy their next home with cash. This gives them a major advantage in today’s competitive market. In fact, over 60% of buyers in their 70s used the proceeds from a previous home to fund their next purchase.

Why They’re Moving

Boomers are motivated by lifestyle changes like moving closer to family, retiring, or downsizing. They're also the most likely group to buy newly built homes, often to avoid renovations or to customize finishes.

And they’re not letting challenges slow them down. While younger buyers often report cutting spending or taking on extra work to afford a home, most older buyers aren’t making similar sacrifices. Their financial position is helping them sidestep many of the hurdles that are keeping others out of the market.

Real Estate Agents Still Matter

Even tech-savvy buyers rely on real estate pros to navigate the process. Across all age groups, buyers and sellers say agents are essential for finding the right home, negotiating terms, and handling paperwork. For sellers, pricing, marketing, and preparing the home for sale are top areas where agents add value.

Market Insights Across Generations

• Gen Xers (45–59) have the highest incomes and are most likely to buy multigenerational homes.

• Millennials (26–44) are leading among first-time buyers, though many rely on gifts or assistance for down payments.

• Gen Z (18–25) is slowly entering the market, with single women leading their demographic.

• Boomers (60+) are the most likely to buy farther from their previous home and purchase senior-friendly housing.

Bottom Line

Equity-rich and cash-ready, baby boomers are reshaping the real estate landscape in 2025. Whether buying or selling, they're showing that experience—and financial flexibility—can go a long way in today’s market.