"Recent data for 2026 confirms that the "Silver Tsunami"-the long-predicted flood of housing inventory from aging baby boomers-is failing to materialize as an open-market surge. Instead of a wave of new listings, the phenomenon is presenting as a "soft, rolling wave" of private transfers and aging-in-place trends. Inheritance vs. Resale: A record 340,000 homes (7.4% of all transactions) were transferred through inheritance in the 12 months ending August 2025."
"Geographic Mismatch: Most empty-nest households (approx. 20.9 million) are concentrated in already affordable markets like Pittsburgh, Buffalo, and Cleveland. This does not help inventory in high-demand coastal hubs like San Jose, Seattle, or Austin, where younger buyers are most active. Lack of Senior Housing: Inventory growth for senior-specific housing reached a record low in 2025. With few suitable options for downsizing, many seniors are choosing to remodel and remain in their current homes."
The anticipated surge of homes from aging baby boomers is not appearing as an open-market flood in 2026. A record 340,000 homes (7.4% of transactions) were transferred via inheritance in the year ending August 2025, keeping many properties within families and off the market. Boomers are staying in place longer and often own substantial equity or homes outright, reducing selling pressure. Empty-nest households are mostly located in lower-demand, affordable markets rather than high-demand coastal hubs. Senior-specific housing supply growth hit a record low in 2025, prompting many seniors to remodel and remain at home. Forecasters expect tight supply and modest national price gains of 0.9%–2.2% in 2026.
Read at Boston Condos For Sale Ford Realty
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