Overview
- The NRMLA/RiskSpan index reported that housing wealth for homeowners age 62 and older reached $14.92 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, up about $314.8 billion (1.8%) from the prior quarter.
- RiskSpan said the gain coincided with mortgage rates falling to their lowest levels since 2022, while senior-held mortgage debt grew only modestly by $10.5 billion (0.4%).
- New View Advisors data showed proprietary reverse mortgage originations captured about 52% market share in Q1 2026 compared with 48% for FHA-insured HECMs, reflecting two years of new product rollouts and wider availability.
- The record equity expands choices for older homeowners to cover living and health costs through options such as reverse mortgages, home equity loans, or HELOCs, but each choice carries clear trade-offs for inheritance, monthly payment risk, and product complexity.
- The build-up in senior equity comes as many older homeowners prefer to age in place and fund remodeling or larger home purchases, and analysts warn that future changes in mortgage rates could quickly alter affordability and home-value gains.