Baby Boomer Housing Trends Reshape Florida Real Estate Market

The widely discussed demographic shift is now a market reality. With more than 70 million Americans now aged 65 or older, baby boomers (ages 60-78) have reclaimed their position as the largest group of both home buyers and sellers, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2025 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report.

This demographic pattern is particularly important for Florida’s real estate market, as our state remains a popular destination for retirees. The baby boomer generation has built substantial housing equity after 13-16 years in their previous homes, with many seeing an appreciation of 50% or more. This financial position gives them flexibility in their housing decisions and influences market patterns across the state.

Key Housing Patterns Among Florida’s Boomer Population

Understanding what this influential demographic wants becomes crucial for real estate professionals, investors, and developers working in Florida’s property markets.

Adjusting Home Size and Features

Rather than simply choosing smaller homes, baby boomers often seek properties that better match their current lifestyle needs. Dane Ramsden, CEO of In Network Real Estate in Detroit, prefers the term “rightsizing” and notes these transactions are “one of the most emotional transactions in real estate.”

For real estate investors and developers, this suggests opportunities to create communities with practical living spaces, high-quality amenities, and low-maintenance features that appeal to active seniors who prioritize comfort and convenience.

Home Modifications for Aging in Place

Many baby boomers plan to stay in their current homes. According to research from AARP, only about 10% of homes nationwide are fully prepared for senior living, highlighting a gap between housing stock and demographic needs.

Accessibility has become increasingly important in bathroom remodeling. Features like curbless showers, additional lighting, and grab bars are common in renovation projects.

Universal design features like lever-style door handles, step-free entries, and wide doorways that accommodate walkers and wheelchairs have been recommended.

Growth in Multigenerational Housing

Perhaps most notable is the increasing demand for multigenerational housing. NAR reports that 17% of buyers purchased multigenerational homes in 2024, the highest figure in their decade-long tracking of this trend.

This shift creates opportunities for properties with features like dual primary suites, separate entrances, and flexible living spaces. Real estate professionals note that some families sell two separate homes to purchase a single property with an ADU for shared living.

When multiple family members buy together, property professionals emphasize the importance of carefully considering how the title will be held, as ownership arrangements can become complicated when it eventually comes time to sell.

Support Clients Through Housing Transitions

To best serve this demographic, real estate professionals can consider several practical approaches:

• Start early with decluttering: Help clients sort through belongings well before listing their home
• Create familiar setups in new homes: Recreate familiar arrangements to ease emotional transitions
• Consider professional support: Senior relocation specialists can coordinate move logistics

For those aging in place, connecting clients with the National Association of Home Builders’ Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) can help address accessibility needs through home assessments and modifications.

Looking Forward

As baby boomers continue to influence Florida’s real estate market through their buying power and housing preferences, professionals who understand their specific needs regarding accessibility, multigenerational living, and rightsizing may be better positioned to serve this important market segment.

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