Senior Spotlight: Seniors Hold Record Housing Wealth

Greetings Readers! If you follow our Senior Spotlight blog, then you know we are always happy to share the benefits of getting older, getting wiser… and in this case – getting wealthier! Housing wealth numbers from Q1 2026 have been crunched and analyzed and a new wealth record has emerged: older homeowners now hold approximately 26% of America’s $48 trillion in real estate wealth. Housing Wire also breaks down that “Homeowners 62 and older hold $14.66 trillion in home equity, an all-time high.”

This gain in 2026 represents a marked shift from 2025, in which homeowners aged 40-54 held more real estate wealth. The shift this year is believed to have been the result of rising home values (averaging 1.8% and equaling $314.8 billion) and moderated mortgage debt (only a 0.4% increase). RiskSpan reports that the lesser increase in mortgage debt is the result of “mortgage rates falling to their lowest levels since 2022.” 

What does all of this mean on a big picture level? The data supports that investing in real estate continues to be worthwhile and acts as a built-in savings account. Investopedia confirms that homeownership rises sharply through middle age, with rates peaking at 81% for those 75 and older. While accessing the equity can be tough for seniors due to mortgage underwriting guidelines that are designed to assess income and not accumulated wealth, reverse mortgage are one tool that some older adults are choosing to use. Other options may include traditional home equity products, selling and/or renting. Please note that this article is for informational purposes only, and that your best strategy (at any age!) can only be determined by your needs, your personal situation and your own trusted financial advisor.

NRMLA President Steve Irwin states that “The rebound in senior housing wealth is encouraging news for older homeowners and underscores the important role home equity continues to play in retirement security. With senior home equity reaching another record level, many older Americans have greater financial flexibility to help address rising living expenses, healthcare costs, or other retirement needs.”

Learn more from these resources & by talking to your own trusted finance, tax and planning team!

Senior housing wealth reaches record level in first quarter

Seniors hold a record share of housing wealth. The mortgage system still struggles to underwrite it.

Homeowners Hold Much Greater Wealth Than Renters at Every Age, Federal Reserve Finds

Senior home wealth just hit a record high. Here's how to borrow from it now.

Enjoy the rest of July,

Bobbi 

Bobbi Decker
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