For many Americans, their home is one of the largest assets they own, especially in retirement. But new research suggests that home sellers over 70 receive lower sale prices compared to younger homeowners and the gap increases with age.
A January research brief from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that once homeowners reach about age 70, they tend to sell their homes for less than sellers in their 40s and 50s.
By age 80, the difference becomes more noticeable. On average, an 80-year-old homeowner selling a property held for about 11 years receives roughly 5% less than a younger seller would for the same home.
On a typical U.S. home price of $405,400 the national median sale price in December, according to the National Association of Realtors that 5% gap equals about $20,270.
Why Home Sellers Over 70 Get Lower Prices
The study points to several factors that may explain why home sellers over 70 receive lower sale prices.
1. Deferred Maintenance
Homes owned by older sellers are more likely to show signs of delayed repairs or fewer upgrades. Over time, small issues can add up. Buyers often notice aging roofs, older appliances, or outdated interiors and adjust their offers accordingly.
Even when researchers accounted for market conditions and location, the maintenance factor still had a measurable impact on price.
2. Off-Market Sales
Older homeowners are more likely to sell their homes privately instead of listing them on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Off-market deals limit exposure to buyers and reduce competition.
Private sales are also more likely to involve investors, who typically negotiate lower purchase prices.
The research team linked housing transaction data from CoreLogic with voter registration records to estimate seller ages. They also reviewed repeat sales data from 1998 through 2022 to compare how the same homes performed over time.
Baby Boomers Hold a Large Share of U.S. Housing Wealth
This trend matters because many older Americans are homeowners.
According to Freddie Mac, baby boomers those born between 1946 and 1964 make up 36% of all homeowner households. As of 2024, there were about 65 million baby boomers, representing 20% of the U.S. population.
Many of these homeowners are choosing to age in place. A 2024 report from Freddie Mac found that about 68% of baby boomers expect to remain in their homes long term.
At the same time, more people are selling later in life. Data from the National Association of Realtors shows:
- 38% of homeowners ages 70 to 78 have lived in their homes for 21 years or more
- 44% of homeowners ages 79 to 99 have lived in their homes that long
In the oldest group, 15% sold for less than 90% of their listing price — the highest share among all age groups.
Home Equity Is a Major Retirement Asset
For retirees, the pricing gap can have real financial consequences.
According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, median home equity for homeowners age 65 and older was $250,000 in 2022. That represented roughly half of the median total wealth for households in that age group.
If sellers receive lower prices late in life, it can reduce available funds for:
- Long-term care
- Downsizing
- Medical expenses
- Supplementing retirement income
Because of this, experts say older homeowners should treat their home not just as shelter, but as part of their retirement strategy.
How Older Homeowners Can Protect Their Home’s Value
Financial planners say planning ahead is key.
Many lower sale prices result from last-minute decisions driven by health issues, relocation needs, or cash flow pressure. When time is limited, sellers may skip repairs or accept lower offers for convenience.
Here are steps retirees can take:
Maintain the Home Gradually
Address small repairs early. Routine maintenance reduces the risk of large visible issues when it is time to sell.
Set Aside Funds for Upkeep
Budgeting for ongoing maintenance helps prevent deferred repairs.
Avoid Rushed Sales
Selling under pressure often leads to lower offers. Early planning allows more flexibility.
Seek Advice
Consulting trusted family members or financial professionals before listing can help avoid costly mistakes.
Understand Listing Options
Public MLS listings often generate more competition than private sales. Sellers should weigh privacy against potential pricing advantages.
Not Every Lower Price Is a Mistake
Experts note that a lower sale price is not always a bad decision.
Some older homeowners prefer fewer showings and less disruption. Others may choose to sell at a discount rather than invest in major repairs. In certain cases, speed and simplicity matter more than maximizing price.
The key is making that choice intentionally not by default.
The Bottom Line
The research shows that home sellers over 70 receive lower sale prices on average, and the gap widens with age. Deferred maintenance, private sales, and shorter negotiation timelines all contribute to the difference.
As more Americans sell homes later in life, understanding these pricing trends becomes more important.
For retirees, a home is often the largest single asset in their portfolio. Managing it carefully through maintenance, planning, and informed selling decisions can help protect both equity and long-term financial security. For direct financing consultations or mortgage options for you visit 👉 Nadlan Capital Group.
