Senior Housing Wealth Hits Record $14.92 Trillion

Homeowners aged 62 and older experienced a record rebound in housing wealth, reaching $14.92 trillion in the first quarter of 2026. This marks a significant increase after declines in the preceding two quarters, according to the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) – RiskSpan Reverse Mortgage Market Index. The index, which has monitored senior home values and equity trends since 2000, attributed the growth primarily to rising home values and a slower pace of mortgage debt accumulation.

During the first quarter, senior housing wealth saw an estimated increase of $314.8 billion, representing a 1.8% rise. This substantial gain was only partially tempered by a modest $10.5 billion, or 0.4%, increase in the mortgage debt held by this demographic. RiskSpan noted that this positive development occurred as mortgage rates declined to their lowest points since 2022, suggesting that improved housing affordability contributed to higher home valuations for older homeowners.

Steve Irwin, President of NRMLA, expressed optimism about the findings, stating that the rebound in senior housing wealth is "encouraging news for older homeowners and underscores the important role home equity continues to play in retirement security." He further elaborated that with senior home equity reaching a new record, many older Americans now possess enhanced financial flexibility to manage increasing living expenses, healthcare costs, and other retirement-related needs. The NRMLA – RiskSpan Reverse Mortgage Market Index provides quarterly insights into the financial landscape of senior homeowners.