New analysis by Zillow predicts a "Silver Tsunami" of residential properties coming to the market as Baby Boomers leave the housing market. The effect could be like the housing boom of the mid-2000s.
An article by Issi Romen explains the findings of recent analysis by Zillow that predicts "more than a quarter (27.4 percent) of the nation’s currently owner-occupied homes are likely to hit the market" over the next 20 years as Baby Boomers pass away or move out of their single-family residential neighborhoods. As many as 20 million homes could hit the market through the mid 2030s, according to the analysis.
The impact of so many people vacating their homes all at once is likely to vary between markets, according to Romen, with traditional retirements hubs like in Florida and Arizona likely to experience the most effects from the transition.
"Housing released by the Silver Tsunami will provide a substantial and sustained boost to housing supply, comparable in magnitude to the fluctuations that new home construction experienced in the 2000s boom-bust cycle," according to Romen.
The Zillow study inspired news coverage by Laura Kusisto and Cassidy Araiza that resides behind the Wall Street Journal paywall.
FULL STORY: The Silver Tsunami: Which Areas will be Flooded with Homes once Boomers Start Leaving Them?
Study Finds Seniors Could Be Stuck with Unsellable Homes in the Future
A new paper predicts that home-buying trends among younger generations will lead to a flood of homes that older homeowners will not be able to sell.
Fewer Baby Boomers Choose Urban Lifestyles Than Previous Generations
Despite appearances and a popular media narrative, Baby Boomers aren't becoming more urban in old age—when compared to previous generations at the same age.
More Fourplexes Could Mean More Wheelchair Accessible Housing in Portland
Beyond adding more housing to the market, fourplexes could bring a lot more federally mandated wheelchair accessibility to Portland.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research