Key facts
- Homeowners aged 62 and older reached a record $15.34 trillion in housing wealth in Q2 2026.
- This marks the first time senior housing wealth has surpassed $15 trillion.
- Senior home values increased by an estimated $430 billion, or 2.5%, in the quarter.
- Mortgage debt held by seniors increased by $30 billion, or 1.2%, in the quarter.
Homeowners aged 62 and older saw their total housing wealth climb to a record $15.34 trillion in the second quarter of 2026, crossing the $15 trillion threshold for the first time. This milestone was reported by the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) and RiskSpan through their quarterly Reverse Mortgage Market Index (RMMI).
The growth in senior housing wealth was primarily fueled by an estimated $430 billion, or 2.5%, increase in the value of homes owned by seniors. This rise was partially counteracted by an increase of $30 billion, or 1.2%, in the mortgage debt held by this demographic.
Steve Irwin, president of NRMLA, highlighted that this substantial housing wealth provides significant financial flexibility for older homeowners during retirement, even amidst elevated borrowing costs. He emphasized the opportunity for the industry to help seniors responsibly integrate this equity into their financial plans for long-term security.
Despite the growth in home equity, high borrowing costs have previously limited the adoption of home equity products, including reverse mortgages. NRMLA noted that the growing pool of senior housing wealth represents a considerable potential for lending activity, particularly for older individuals who may have limited income sources in retirement.