Homeowners who sell after age 70 often receive lower prices, losing about $20,000 on average, as deferred maintenance and private sales reduce competition and impact retirement wealth.
WEBDESK – Act Global Media
Homeowners who wait until their 70s to sell their property may be losing thousands of dollars, according to new research examining housing transactions across the United States.
A study by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that once sellers reach about age 70, they typically receive lower sale prices than younger homeowners, and the gap widens with age.
On a median home price of $405,400, an 80-year-old seller receives about 5 percent less than sellers in their 40s and 50s, equal to roughly $20,270 in lost value.
Why older sellers get less
Researchers linked housing sales records from 1998 to 2022 with voter registration data to estimate seller ages. They found several patterns behind the price gap.
Homes owned by older adults often show deferred maintenance or fewer upgrades, reducing buyer demand even after accounting for location and market conditions.
Older homeowners are also more likely to sell privately rather than listing publicly on real estate platforms. Those off-market deals attract fewer competing buyers and often involve investors who negotiate lower prices.
A growing retirement issue
The findings matter because housing wealth is a major financial pillar in retirement. Data from Harvard housing researchers shows homeowners aged 65 and older hold a median home equity of about $250,000, roughly half of their total wealth.
At the same time, millions of Americans are aging in place. Housing finance firm Freddie Mac estimates baby boomers make up 36 percent of homeowner households, and nearly 70 percent plan to stay in their homes long term.
That means more people may eventually sell late in life and face reduced returns.
Planning can protect value
Financial planners say lower prices are often driven by rushed decisions and limited cash flow during retirement.
Experts advise homeowners to maintain properties regularly, declutter gradually and integrate housing decisions into a broader retirement strategy rather than waiting for a forced sale.
Consulting family members or trusted advisors before choosing private or investor sales can also help preserve value.
While some sellers may accept a discount for convenience or privacy, analysts stress the home should be treated as a financial asset as much as a place to live, and proactive planning can significantly improve retirement outcomes.
