It’s not just a real estate hustle. It’s a generational turf war—and we’re losing ground fast.

Let’s Call This What It Is: Generational Gentrification

No, you’re not crazy. And no, your Zillow addiction isn’t the problem. The housing market isn’t just tight—it’s practically strangling us. And spoiler alert: it’s not the oat milk lattes draining your account. It’s Boomers.

A report from National Association of Realtors (NAR) just confirmed what every frustrated millennial standing outside another open house with 30+ bidders already knew: Baby Boomers are back in the market, snatching up homes like they’re avocados on sale. Only difference? They’ve got decades of equity and the luxury of dropping all-cash offers. Must be nice.

What’s Really Going Down?

Here’s the tea (and it’s piping):

1. Boomers Are Downsizing With Big Bank Energy

Empty nest? Great! That 4-bed, 3-bath they raised your friend in is now selling for top dollar, and they’re taking that bag to sunny suburbs and snatching up smaller homes in prime locations—the exact ones millennials are eyeing.

2. Buying Investment Properties Like It’s a Sport

Retirement doesn’t mean resting—at least not for their wallets. Vacation homes, Airbnbs, or just because they can. They’re building wealth while millennials are just trying to build credit.

3. They’re Living Longer and Better

Boomers are healthy, mobile, and outside. They’re moving to urban hot spots or warmer states, pushing up demand and prices.

4. They Already Won the Wealth Lottery

While millennials were getting degrees and debt, Boomers were building equity. And they’re now weaponizing it.

Why This Should Piss You Off

Because this isn’t just about losing out on a cute bungalow. It’s about:

• Delayed Wealth Accumulation: If you’re not building equity, you’re bleeding future security.
• Generational Wealth Gaps Getting Worse: The rich (older) are getting richer. And younger folks are just… getting rent hikes.
• Life Plans on Pause: Can’t buy a home? Then maybe no backyard, no dog, no garden, no kid. It’s all connected.
• Location Lockout: Desirable neighborhoods = off limits. Careers, schools, amenities? Compromised.

So What Can You Actually Do? (Besides Cry in Your Car)

Let’s keep it real—you’re not about to out-cash a Boomer. But you can:

• Look Off-Grid (Until They Find It Too): Small cities, unexpected towns, neighborhoods the brunch crowd hasn’t found yet.
• House Hack Like a Genius: Duplexes. Roommates. Airbnb your garage. Whatever builds that equity.
• Explore Creative Financing: Down payment assistance, grants, FHA loans. Google like your life depends on it.
• Network Harder Than a Boomer at a Country Club: Real estate deals are still about who you know. Work those connections.
• Get Politically Loud: Push for policies that actually do something—more inventory, caps on investment buying, support for first-time homebuyers.

We Don’t Want a Pity Party. We Want a Fair Shot.

This isn’t about hate. It’s about history. And systems. And the fact that millennials have been through a recession, a pandemic, student loan hell, AND a job market that ghosted us more than Hinge dates in 2016.

So if you’re frustrated? Valid.

If you feel stuck? Same.

If you’re plotting to buy land in Montana and build a tiny home commune with your college besties? Do it and send the group chat.

Just know this: The system may be stacked, but we’re not done fighting.

Links/References:

[Baby boomers are boxing out millennials to become the top U.S. home buyers]

[Redfin Reports Gen Z and Millennial Homeownership Rates Flatlined in 2024 as Housing Costs Soared]

[Guide to first-time homebuyer loans and programs]