Chris Clow on where we could see ‘silver tsunami’ inventory
Dec 13, 2024
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Chris Clow, a HousingWire editor specializing in the reverse mortgage industry, dives into the 'silver tsunami'—the wave of homes expected to hit the market as older generations age. He discusses why many seniors are hesitant to sell, impacting housing availability for younger buyers. The conversation also touches on the increasing significance of manufactured homes amid rising prices and affordability challenges. Chris highlights innovative solutions to adapt to the needs of multigenerational families and critiques the regulatory landscape affecting consumer protection.
The aging 'silver tsunami' demographic is largely choosing to age in place, causing a reluctance to sell homes and exacerbating inventory shortages.
Rising prices in the manufactured housing market highlight an emerging affordable housing solution, although outdated perceptions still hinder its growth.
Deep dives
The Silver Tsunami and Housing Inventory
The concept of the silver tsunami refers to the aging population in the U.S., where individuals aged 65 and older are projected to outnumber those under 18 in the near future. This demographic shift has significant implications for the housing market, particularly regarding the expectation that many older homeowners will sell their properties, therefore increasing housing inventory. However, contrary to initial hopes, many baby boomers are choosing to remain in their homes or pass them on to family members, rather than flooding the market with homes for sale. This resistance to selling is contributing to a persistent housing shortage, particularly in densely populated economic centers where larger numbers of families are seeking homes.
Aging in Place Trends
A growing trend has emerged as older adults, in response to fears heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, increasingly prefer to age in place rather than move to assisted living facilities. Many are emotionally attached to their homes, which they have occupied for decades, making the idea of leaving challenging. Builders have responded by designing homes with features catering to this demographic, allowing them to modify their living spaces for greater accessibility. The financing of these home modifications often involves utilizing lower-cost options like reverse mortgages, offering a way for older adults to remain in their homes while making necessary adjustments.
Rise of Manufactured Homes
Recent data indicates that the prices of manufactured homes have been rising at a faster rate than those of traditional site-built homes, with a significant increase of over 58% in the last five years. Despite these rising costs, manufactured homes remain a more affordable option, with an average price of around $124,300 compared to over $409,000 for single-family homes. The government has recognized this growing market and is implementing programs to support manufactured housing as a viable solution to address inventory shortages. Nevertheless, the manufactured housing industry continues to face challenges in overcoming outdated perceptions, with efforts underway to update safety standards and enhance the quality of these homes.
On today’s episode, Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler talks with Editor Chris Clow about where we would see any inventory from the ‘silver tsunami’ as well as the latest on trigger leads and manufactured homes.
The HousingWire Daily podcast brings the full picture of the most compelling stories in the housing market reported across HousingWire. Each morning, listen to editor in chief Sarah Wheeler talk to leading industry voices and get a deeper look behind the scenes of the top mortgage and real estate stories. Hosted and produced by the HousingWire Content Studio.