Seniors Are More Likely To Downsize Their Home When They Reach This Age

Deciding to sell a home can be emotional, especially if you've lived there for many years. That's often the case for seniors, many of whom have spent decades living in the same place. However, for many, the need to downsize eventually outweighs the sentimental pull. According to Rocket Mortgage's analysis of Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data, many people between 79 and 99 are the most likely to make that decision

There are a number of reasons seniors would want to downsize. These can include reducing living expenses like property taxes and maintenance, being closer to family and friends, and having easier access to healthcare facilities. And while there are ways to make extra money after you retire, downsizing can also ensure you have enough cash to feel comfortable in retirement. According to the National Association of Realtors' (NAR) 2025 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report, 19% of homebuyers in the top age range said the primary reason for purchasing a new property is a desire for a smaller home. Older baby boomers, ages 70 to 78 years old, aren't far behind, with 18% of homebuyers in that age range reporting they are motivated by the desire to downsize. The numbers drop considerably from there, with only 10% of those ages 60 to 69 citing a desire for a smaller dwelling as the main reason they'd move.

As you might expect, Silent Generation seniors are the most likely to downsize to senior-related housing. The NAR reports 27% of folks in the 79-to-99 age bracket go this route, with the majority opting for single-family homes and smaller portions moving into apartments, townhouses, and condos. Older boomers are almost in lockstep, with 25% of those ages 70 to 78 making similar calls. Meanwhile, just 14% of folks aged 60 to 69 are purchasing homes in senior-related housing.

Where are older seniors going when they downsize? A recent report from Retirement Living found that Americans 75 and older are most likely to end up moving south to Florida, Texas, the Carolinas, and Virgina, despite none of these being the cheapest states to buy a house. The NAR reports that, when determining which neighborhoods to move to, the majority are choosing suburban areas and mainly consider proximity to family and friends, the quality of the neighborhood, and the distance to both healthcare facilities and shopping when making their decision. Meanwhile, convenient access to schools, bike paths, and public transportation have little impact on where these older seniors end up. While downsizing is never an easy decision, for many older adults, it's a practical — and sometimes necessary — step once they reach a certain age.