Older Americans now hold as much real estate wealth as middle-aged homeowners, illustrating the widening gaps in homeownership access and long-term home price gains.<\/p>\n
An analysis from Redfin<\/strong>, based on data from the Federal Reserve Board<\/strong>, found that Americans ages 70 and older controlled roughly 26% of the nation\u2019s $48 trillion in real estate wealth<\/a> in the third quarter of 2025. That matches the share held by those ages 40 to 54 \u2014 the first time the two groups have reached parity.<\/p>\n The crossover first occurred in the second quarter of 2025, when older Americans slightly surpassed the 40-to-54 age group at just over 26%, a record high.<\/p>\n Redfin\u2019s report<\/a> shows the share of housing wealth held by the 70-and-older demographic<\/a> increasing steadily for decades. In 2005, that group held 16.6% of real estate wealth. A decade ago, the share was 21.6%.<\/p>\n 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 \u2014 compared with 26% in 2025.<\/p>\n Americans ages 55 to 69 still hold the largest share overall at 35.3%, but that figure has also declined from 37.2% over the past decade.<\/p>\n Younger Americans<\/a> have seen little change. Those under age 40 held 12.6% of real estate wealth in the third quarter of 2025 \u2014 only slightly higher than their 11.9% share a decade ago.<\/p>\n Redfin<\/a> chief economist Daryl Fairweather said the shift reflects long-term home price growth<\/a> and challenges that younger buyers face when entering the housing market.<\/p>\n \u201cBreaking into homeownership wasn\u2019t an easy feat for baby boomers<\/a>, who faced high inflation and high interest rates,\u201d Fairweather said in a statement. \u201cBut mortgage rates then entered a decades-long decline, fueling years of home price growth that benefited baby boomers. Those home price gains, along with a rebound in mortgage rates in recent years, have pushed homeownership out of reach for many younger Americans.\u201d<\/p>\n