US Homeowner Wealth Hits Record $14.92 Trillion Amid Retirement Migration

Housing wealth among homeowners aged 62 and older reached a record $14.92 trillion in early 2026. To manage the high cost of living during retirement, seniors are exploring options such as reverse mortgages—specifically Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM)—which allow homeowners to convert equity into cash or lines of credit without required monthly principal and interest payments. Other strategies include downsizing to smaller, more affordable properties or moving into age-restricted communities to reduce maintenance costs.

Migration data for 2026 indicates that Baby Boomers and Generation X continue to drive significant real estate activity, representing a large portion of buyers and sellers. According to U-Haul's Midyear Migration Trends report, many individuals in these age groups are relocating to the Southeast and Sun Belt regions to seek better affordability or proximity to family.

Market analysis of top inbound metro areas shows varying trends: Wilmington, North Carolina, experienced a 9.3% yearly price decline, while Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, saw a 3.6% price appreciation. Phoenix remains a high-volume market, leading the analyzed dataset in weekly sales.