Boomers Are Dominating the Housing Market

A diverse group of baby boomer homebuyers stands outside a suburban house with an "Open House" sign in the foreground, representing the surge of boomers driving real estate activity across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and the greater Triangle NC housing market in 2025. Image May 5, 2025, 12_29_28 PM

In today’s shifting real estate landscape, one demographic is taking center stage again: baby boomers.

According to recent reports from Realtor.com and NAR, buyers aged 60 to 78 now make up 42% of home purchases in the U.S.—surpassing millennials and firmly reclaiming their spot as the most active generation in the housing market.

And it doesn’t stop there.

Boomers Are Buying and Selling Homes in 2025

Not only are boomers buying homes in large numbers, but they’re also dominating the listing side. In fact, 53% of all home listings in 2024 came from baby boomers, making them the top demographic of both buyers and sellers in today’s market.

This dual role gives them significant leverage. They’re often moving from homes they’ve owned for decades—and that comes with serious financial advantages.

Why Boomers Have the Edge in Today’s Real Estate Market

Boomers aren’t just outpacing other generations by chance. They’re entering the market with key advantages that make their offers more competitive:

  • ✅ They’re leveraging equity from homes they’ve owned long-term.

  • ✅ They’re making larger down payments, reducing reliance on financing.

  • ✅ They’re borrowing less overall, which is critical in a high-interest-rate environment.

In contrast, younger buyers are often more dependent on financing and face tougher hurdles when competing in multiple-offer situations—especially in desirable regions like the our North Carolina Triangle real estate market.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers in the Triangle NC Market

If you're a buyer in your 30s or 40s feeling like you’re constantly being outbid, the data explains why. Boomers are entering with cash, strong equity, and flexibility—and they’re making serious moves in Wake, Durham, Orange, Chatham, and Johnston Counties all across the broader Triangle.

And if you're a homeowner thinking about selling? This surge of boomer activity could be your opportunity to connect with motivated buyers who are well-positioned to close.

Bottom Line: Know Your Competition, Know Your Strategy

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or thinking about downsizing or relocating, understanding who’s active in the market—and why—can help you make smarter decisions. Boomers are taking over the housing market in 2025, and they’re doing it with confidence, capital, and experience.

If you’re buying or selling in the Triangle this year, I’d love to help you navigate the current landscape with a smart, tailored strategy.

Let’s build a plan that works for you. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or just exploring your next step. Reach out today to schedule a consultation. I'm here to help.

Thanks for reading!

Brandon Yopp