Older Homeowners Receive Lower Prices, Study Finds

Deferred maintenance and off-market sales contribute to financial losses for aging sellers.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A new study by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that homeowners aged 70 and older typically receive 5% less for their homes compared to younger sellers, amounting to a loss of over $20,000 based on the current median home price. Factors like deferred maintenance and a tendency to sell through private, off-market listings are driving this disparity, which is particularly relevant as baby boomers represent a growing share of homeowners nearing retirement.

Why it matters

As the U.S. population ages, a significant number of older homeowners will eventually need to sell their homes, potentially exacerbating the pricing gap. This trend has major implications for retirement planning, as home equity represents a substantial portion of wealth for many Americans aged 65 and over.

The details

The research brief found that an 80-year-old homeowner typically receives 5% less for their home than a seller in their 40s or 50s, assuming the home has been held for approximately 11 years. This is largely due to deferred maintenance, where homes owned by older individuals are more likely to exhibit signs of neglect or lack recent upgrades, impacting their market value. Additionally, older homeowners tend to sell their properties through private, off-market listings, which limit competition and often involve sales to investors, further reducing final sale prices.

  • The Center for Retirement Research study utilized housing transaction data from 1998 to 2022.
  • As of 2024, baby boomers - those born between 1946 and 1964 - represent 20% of the U.S. population and 36% of all homeowner households.

The players

Center for Retirement Research at Boston College

A research institute that published a brief examining the pricing disparity between older and younger home sellers.

Joon Um

A certified financial planner with Secure Tax & Accounting in Beverly Hills, California, who emphasizes the importance of proactive planning and home maintenance for older homeowners.

Philip Strahan

The coauthor of the Center for Retirement Research report, who recommends that family members or trusted advisors help protect the interests of older homeowners and ensure they are properly maintaining their homes.

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What they’re saying

“Small fixes get delayed, then buyers notice everything at once and price it in.”

— Joon Um, Certified financial planner with Secure Tax & Accounting (newsdirectory3.com)

“To the extent that you have a relationship with an older person, protect their interests and make sure they're taking care of their house.”

— Philip Strahan, Coauthor of the Center for Retirement Research report (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

Experts recommend that older homeowners proactively plan for their home sale by setting aside funds for maintenance, decluttering over time, and integrating the home sale into a broader retirement and cash flow plan. Involving family members or trusted advisors can also help ensure the home is properly cared for and the seller's interests are protected.

The takeaway

This study highlights the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by older homeowners when selling their properties, particularly as baby boomers represent a growing share of the housing market. Proactive planning and support can help maximize the value of this significant retirement asset for aging Americans.