Please note: The data visualization embeds on this page are best viewed on a laptop or desktop computer.

If the Baby Boomer generation had a theme song for today’s housing market, it might be “Born to Run” – and the numbers back it up. According to the 2026 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report, buyers aged 61 to 79 remain the largest generational force in home buying, accounting for 42% of buyers (unchanged from last year) and an impressive 55% of sellers. Behind those numbers is a generation using its market power with purpose, making moves guided as much by lifestyle and relationships as by financial leverage.

Many Boomers are making moves rooted in relationships and lifestyle. Like the road trips of “Easy Rider,” proximity matters: 31% of Older Boomers (ages 71–79) and 23% of Younger Boomers (61–70) bought homes to be closer to friends and family. Downsizing is also part of the story. Sixteen percent of Older Boomers said they purchased a home specifically to downsize, compared to 11% of Younger Boomers. Meanwhile, 15% of Younger Boomers bought homes with retirement in mind, envisioning days more Jimmy Buffett than “9 to 5.” Flexibility is a hallmark of this life stage, and often housing equity makes that choice easier.

Veterans make up a significant share of this group. Twenty-eight percent of Older Boomers and 18% of Younger Boomers served, with VA loans playing a key role: 16% of Older Boomers and 14% of Younger Boomers used VA financing. For some, that benefit is as enduring as reruns of “MASH*.” Boomers are also more likely to own additional property. Six percent of both Younger and Older Boomers own one or more vacation homes (hello, beach playlists and “second home” sunsets). Senior-related housing is especially popular, with 23% of Older Boomers and 13% of Younger Boomers choosing these communities.

Financially, many Boomers are entering their “cash-is-king” era. Thirty-nine percent of Younger Boomers and 46% of Older Boomers paid all-cash for their homes. Among those who financed, more than half used proceeds from selling their prior residence for the down payment.

Baby Boomers continue to shape the housing market. Today, many are embracing choice: moving closer to loved ones, downsizing, or retiring to enjoy a work-free lifestyle. As this generation proves, you don’t fade out, you just change tracks.

Animated donut chart showing 42% of all recent home buyers were Boomers. Source: 2026 NAR Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends.
View full sized infographic