In a shift that underscores changing dynamics in the housing market, baby boomers now make up the largest generational group of home buyers, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
By the numbers: NAR’s 2025 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends report found that the combined share of younger boomers (ages 60–69) and older boomers (ages 70–78) rose to 42 percent of all home buyers in the past year.
- Millennials dropped to 29 percent of all buyers – down notably from 38 percent a year ago. Generation X buyers (ages 45–59) held steady at 24 percent.
What they’re saying: “In a plot twist, baby boomers have overtaken millennials – the largest U.S. population – to become the top generation of home buyers,” said Jessica Lautz, NAR deputy chief economist and vice president of research. “What’s striking is that half of older boomers and two out of five younger boomers are purchasing homes entirely with cash, bypassing financing altogether.”
