Homeownership remains an important goal across generations, but the path to buying or selling a home can look very different depending on a person’s age, finances, equity, family needs, and stage of life.

The National Association of REALTORS®’ 2026 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report examines how Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation are participating in today’s housing market.

Read the full NAR report:
https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/home-buyer-and-seller-generational-trends

Baby Boomers Remain the Largest Group of Buyers

Baby Boomers accounted for 42% of recent home buyers, making them the largest generational group in the market.

Many older homeowners have accumulated substantial equity, giving them more flexibility when purchasing their next property. Some are downsizing, relocating closer to family, moving toward retirement destinations, or choosing homes that better fit their current lifestyle.

Baby Boomers also represented 55% of recent home sellers. Their decisions can therefore have a meaningful effect on both housing inventory and buyer demand.

First-Time Buyers Face a Difficult Market

First-time buyers represented only 21% of all recent buyers—the lowest share recorded since NAR began collecting the data in 1981.

Affordability remains a significant hurdle. Younger buyers may be balancing rent, credit-card debt, student loans, limited savings, and higher home prices while trying to accumulate a down payment.

Among the generational groups, 60% of Younger Millennial buyers were purchasing their first home. That is still a substantial share, but it was down from the previous year.

For first-time buyers, preparation is especially important. Reviewing credit, establishing a realistic monthly housing budget, speaking with a qualified lender, and understanding available loan programs can help determine what is achievable before the home search begins.

Millennials Are Moving Into Their Next Stage

Millennials are no longer one uniform group of first-time buyers.

Older Millennials are increasingly becoming move-up buyers. According to NAR, they had the highest median household income of any buyer generation and purchased the largest homes, with a median size of 2,100 square feet.

Many are now seeking additional bedrooms, home offices, better school access, outdoor space, or locations that work better for growing families. Those who already own a home may also be able to use accumulated equity toward their next purchase.

This creates a more complicated transaction when a buyer must sell one property before purchasing another. Careful pricing, financing, timing, and contingency planning become essential.

Gen X Buyers Are Balancing Multiple Priorities

Gen X represented 25% of recent buyers.

Members of this generation may be navigating career demands, college expenses, aging parents, adult children returning home, or retirement planning—all while making housing decisions.

Gen X buyers were the most likely generation to purchase a multigenerational home, with 19% doing so. These buyers may need flexible floor plans, additional bedrooms, first-floor living spaces, separate entrances, or enough room to accommodate several generations under one roof.

Gen Z Is Entering the Market on Its Own Terms

Gen Z accounted for a relatively small 4% of recent buyers, but its presence continues to grow.

NAR found that 35% of Gen Z buyers were single women, the highest percentage among the generations surveyed. Another 17% were unmarried couples.

These numbers reflect a broader shift: marriage and children are not necessarily prerequisites for homeownership. Younger adults may pursue ownership because they want stability, independence, control over their living space, or an opportunity to begin building equity.

Selling Decisions Also Change With Age

The reasons homeowners sell often evolve over time.

Younger sellers may move because of job changes, marriage, growing households, or the need for more space. Older sellers may be downsizing, retiring, reducing maintenance, or relocating closer to family and friends.

NAR found that sellers had typically owned their homes for 11 years before moving. Younger Millennials sold after a median of five years, while Older Boomers typically remained in their homes for 15 years.

The length of ownership can affect equity, property condition, tax considerations, and the seller’s ability to purchase another home.

Real Estate Guidance Remains Important Across Generations

Although buyers and sellers have access to more online information than ever, most still choose professional representation.

According to NAR:

• 88% of buyers purchased through a real estate agent
• 91% of buyers said they would use their agent again or recommend the agent
• 91% of sellers worked with a real estate agent
• Homes sold for a median of 99% of their final listing price

The specific guidance a client needs will vary. A first-time buyer may need help understanding financing and contracts, while a move-up buyer may need to coordinate a purchase with the sale of an existing home. An older homeowner may need assistance evaluating whether to sell, downsize, relocate, or remain in place.

What This Means for Grand Strand Buyers and Sellers

The Grand Strand attracts people from nearly every generation.

Some buyers are searching for their first home. Others are relocating for work, purchasing a larger property, investing in a vacation home, moving closer to the beach, or planning for retirement.

Likewise, local sellers may be moving up, downsizing, settling an estate, selling an investment property, or using their equity to begin the next chapter.

There is no single strategy that works for everyone. A sound real estate plan should reflect your finances, timeline, family needs, current property, and long-term goals.

Thinking About Your Next Move?

Whether you are buying your first home, selling a longtime residence, moving up, downsizing, or relocating to the Myrtle Beach area, the right preparation can help you make a more informed decision.

I would be glad to help you review your options and develop a strategy that fits your stage of life and the current Grand Strand market.

Dan Sine, REALTOR®
Dunes Realty Sales
(843) 455-6319
www.dansinerealtor.com