Senior real estate is one of the most misunderstood corners of the housing market. Most people assume they know how it works, and most people are at least partly wrong. Whether you are thinking about making a move, helping a parent navigate one, or simply curious about what the numbers actually say, these seven facts might change the way you think about what comes next.
1. Most Homeowners Over 50 Have More Equity Than They Realize
Here is a number worth sitting with. According to a Clever Real Estate survey of boomer homeowners, 68% would expect to make $100,000 or more in profit if they sold today. Many have not run the numbers recently. Many are surprised when they do. If you have owned your home for twenty or thirty years, the equity you have built may give you far more options than you think.
2. The Majority of Older Homeowners Plan to Stay Put, But Many Will Change Their Minds
According to the same Clever Real Estate research, 61% of boomer homeowners plan to live in their homes for the rest of their lives. That number has gone up in recent years. And yet life has a way of changing plans. Health shifts, family circumstances, and the weight of maintaining a large home often lead people to reconsider. Planning for the possibility of a move is never wasted effort.
3. Adults Over 50 Are the Second Largest Group of Homebuyers in the Country
This one surprises almost everyone. According to NAR’s 2026 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report, baby boomers now make up 42% of all homebuyers in the country. They also dominate the selling side, representing 55% of all home sellers. This is not a small niche. It is the single biggest force in the entire housing market right now.
4. The Average Homeowner Has Not Moved in a Very Long Time
Most older adults making a transition have not moved in thirty, forty, or even fifty years, according to the National Association of Senior Move Managers. The real estate process has changed enormously over time. Digital listings, virtual tours, and electronic contracts are all standard now. Working with a specialist who understands the process makes a meaningful difference.
If navigating today’s property technology feels unfamiliar, Tech-Savvy Living: A Guide to Property Technology for Seniors is a free guide that walks you through exactly what’s available and how to use it with confidence.
5. About One in Four Older Buyers Choose Senior-Oriented Housing
Not everyone downsizes into a smaller version of what they already have. According to Virtual Staging’s 2025 real estate statistics report, roughly one in four older buyers specifically chose senior-oriented housing in recent years. Active adult communities, 55+ developments, and independent living communities are growing in popularity across the Chicago area and nationally, and they come with a very different set of considerations than a standard home purchase.
6. The Midwest Is the Most Affordable Region in the Country for Homeowners
The Midwest consistently ranks as the most affordable region in the United States for homeowners. Housing costs here represent around 21% of income. In the West, that figure jumps to 36%, according to REsimpli’s housing statistics. For Chicago and South Suburbs homeowners, that regional advantage is real and worth knowing.
7. Nearly Half of Boomer Homeowners Are Worried About Their Financial Future
This one is worth saying plainly. According to Clever Real Estate’s research, nearly half of boomer homeowners, 49%, worry that changes to Social Security or Medicare could affect their ability to stay in their homes. That concern is real. Understanding your equity, your options, and your long-term financial picture matters enormously. A conversation with a financial advisor and an SRES® can give you a much clearer picture of where you actually stand.
What These Facts Mean for You
Numbers tell part of the story. The rest of it is yours. Whether you are sitting on more equity than you realized, quietly wondering if now is the right time, or simply trying to understand your options before making any decisions, the most important thing is having accurate information and the right people around you.
The senior real estate market is active, well-resourced, and full of possibilities. You do not have to navigate it alone.
For a broader look at the resources available to homeowners over 50, Online Resources for 50+ Buyers and Sellers is a free guide packed with trusted websites covering everything from housing options to financial planning. If you want a curated list of the most useful senior websites in one place, A Handy List of Useful Senior Websites has you covered, too. AARP’s home and community resource page is also worth bookmarking. When you’re ready to take the next step, I would love to be part of that conversation.
If you’re starting to think about what comes next, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Sometimes it helps just to talk things through.
You can always take the next step at your own pace, with no pressure and no expectations. I’m always happy to help you get a clearer picture of your options.
Michelle Williams is a REALTOR® and SRES® serving Chicago and the South Suburbs, helping homeowners 50+ make confident decisions about their next move.