20.9 Million Empty-Nest Households in the US Not the Answer to Housing Affordability, Say Analysts

20.9 Million Empty-Nest Households in the US Not the Answer to Housing Affordability, Say Analysts
A "for sale' sign is posted in front of a single-family home in Hollywood, Fla., on Oct. 27, 2022. Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Mark Gilman
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Those expecting “empty-nest” households to flood the inventory-starved housing market like a “silver tsunami” and help make homes more affordable in the near future will be disappointed, according to new research and the opinions of some industry analysts.

According to online real estate marketplace Zillow, the term empty nesters refers to those ages 55 and older living with no children and with at least two extra bedrooms who are remaining in place for at least a decade.

Mark Gilman
Mark Gilman
Author
Mark Gilman is a media veteran, having written for a number of national publications and for 18 years served as radio talk show host. The Navy veteran has also been involved in handling communications for numerous political campaigns and as a spokesman for large tech and communications companies.