Older Homeowners Get Lower Prices: What Sellers Need to Know

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A new study from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that an 80-year-old homeowner may get approximately 5% less for a house held for about 11 years, compared to someone in their 40s or 50s. This trend is particularly relevant as the baby boomer generation ages, with 68% intending to age in place and contributing to the current limited housing supply. Factors like deferred maintenance, fewer upgrades, and selling through private listings rather than the public Multiple Listing Service contribute to this disparity in sale prices. Despite this potential discount, home equity remains a substantial asset for older Americans, representing roughly 50% of the median wealth for households age 65 and over.

Why it matters

As the baby boomer generation ages, this trend of older homeowners receiving lower prices for their homes is particularly relevant. The limited housing supply due to a significant portion of baby boomers aging in place, combined with factors like deferred maintenance and private sales, could impact the retirement plans and financial security of older Americans who are relying on their home equity as a major asset.

The details

The research brief from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that an 80-year-old homeowner gets approximately 5% less for a house held for about 11 years, compared to someone in their 40s or 50s. On a median home price of $405,400 (as of December 2025), this translates to a potential loss of $20,270. Several factors contribute to this disparity, including homes owned by older individuals being more likely to show signs of deferred maintenance or lack recent upgrades, and older homeowners being more inclined to sell through private, off-market listings, which limit buyer competition and often involve investors, typically resulting in lower offers.

• In 2024, the baby boomer generation (born 1946-1964) represented 20% of the U.S. Population and 36% of all homeowner households, according to Freddie Mac.
• In 2022, the median home equity for those age 65 and over was $250,000 – a 47% increase from $170,000 in 2019, according to a report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Experts emphasize the importance of proactive planning for retirees and near-retirees, including setting aside funds for home upkeep, decluttering over time, and integrating the home sale into a broader retirement plan to avoid selling under pressure.