11/05/2026
The term “silver tsunami” makes it sound like a wave of houses is about to hit the market all at once. The research says otherwise.
According to Realtor.com, about 13.9 million homes owned by older Americans are expected to change hands by 2036. That's a big number. But it's spread across a decade, at roughly 1.3 to 1.5 million homes a year.
The pace is important. After the 2008 housing crash, builders spent years not building enough homes to keep up with demand, and the country still hasn't caught up. As longtime homeowners sell over time, their houses will help ease a shortage that's already there.
For buyers, that can mean more options. For sellers, it means there's no reason to put your plans on hold because of a trend that’s expected to play out over the next 10 years.
What matters more is what's happening in your area right now: how many homes are for sale nearby, what similar houses are selling for, and what buyers want.
Planning a move in the next year or so? Let's talk about what the local numbers mean for your house.
