Baby Boomers Are Suddenly Buying More Homes: How Much House

ACROSS AMERICA — Baby boomers have overtaken millennials as the largest generation of homebuyers, according to a report last spring from the National Association of Realtors.

The combined share of 2022 home sales to younger boomers (58 to 67 years) and older boomers (68 to 76 years) rose to 39 percent, up from 29 percent in 2021, according to the report.

“Baby boomers have the upper hand in the home buying market,” Jessica Lautz, the deputy chief economist and vice president of research for the Realtors group, said in a statement. “The majority of them are repeat buyers who have housing equity to propel them into their dream home — be it a place to enjoy retirement or a home near friends and family. They are living healthier and longer and making housing trades later in life.”

This week in How Much House, we look at homes in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City that are perfect for well-heeled boomers — whether they’re in the market for multi-generational housing, a house with a guest suite or a roomy apartment with a couple of extra bedrooms.

Illinois | $1,099,000

5629 N. Kostner Ave., Chicago
Listed by: Ajrije Gazafer | Kale Realty
Square feet: 3,450
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3 (2 full)
Year built: 2010

This move-in ready, newly updated home in the sought-out Sauganash Subdivision in the Forest Glen neighborhood on Chicago’s North Side has a two-bedroom guest suite in the basement that’s perfect for extended visits from family and friends.

The cozy living room with a wood-burning fireplace leads to a newer deck with a waterproof sail tarp. The first floor has new hardwood floors throughout. The kitchen cabinets are wide — 42 inches — and a 16-foot kitchen island with a 3-inch-wide quartz countertop provides plenty of seating. Cooking big family meals won’t be a problem with high-end appliances that include a double oven and a six-burner cooktop. The family room in the lower level has a family room with a wall-mounted fireplace and granite tile. The wooded backyard has a play set for grandchildren and backs to a forest preserve and walking path.

The previous owner put more than $400,000 into upgrades, including a new two-zone HVAC system, two newer sump pumps with battery backups, a newer roof on the garage, a newer fence, and a newer water heater. The house is ready to go electronically, too, with a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi hookup, Sonos Bluetooth wireless speakers in the back yard, and Nest and Ring software. Peek inside for more photos.

California | $3,695,000

7607 Flight Ave., Los Angeles
Listed by: David Flate | Douglas Elliman of California
Square feet: 3,593
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 5 (4 full)
Year built: 2019

This custom home designed by architect Dane Twichell combining high style, views and tranquility is set up well for multi-generational living. It can be used as a five-bedroom single family home, or it can be split into two living units, with two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit on the lower level with a separate entrance and private outdoor space. Gourmet kitchens are found on both the main and lower levels, making the split easy.

This home, located in quiet, tree-lined Westchester, is built for entertaining a group. Floor-to-ceiling windows show off the backyard trees and landscaping, and glass sliders open to an outdoor kitchen, extra deep 10-foot-by-10-foot hot tub and fire pit.

The entire main floor has soaring wood-beamed ceilings, walls of windows and skylights. Top-line finishes are found throughout, including heated floors, all-stainless steel kitchen appliances and premium fixtures in the bathrooms. The primary suite has dual sinks, custom walnut cabinets, a team shower and an automated bidet toilet.

A 2.5-car garage completes the property. Peek inside for more photos.

New York | $3,595,000

150 E. 69th St., New York City
Listed by: Sarah R. Dasilva | Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Square feet: 3,016
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3 (2 full)
Year built: 1959

Two units were combined years ago to create this spacious apartment in the heart of the Upper East Side. An impressive circular entrance foyer sets the tone for the luxury and attention to detail found inside.

South-facing windows bathe the living room in natural light, creating a warm atmosphere for relaxation and entertainment, while the massive eat-in kitchen is also flooded with sunlight and stunning city views. There’s room for a dining table in the kitchen, offering the option of converting a separate windowed dining room into a fourth bedroom or some other versatile space.

The primary bedroom suite is a private retreat with a massive walk-in closet and bath with dual vanities. Two other bedrooms are west-facing, offering picturesque views of the city skyline. An additional full bathroom, guest powder room and a separate windowed laundry room with a washer and dryer complete the residence.

The apartment is located in the Imperial House, a full-service, white-glove co-op offering the convenience of a concierge desk, full-time doorman and elevator operators, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center, Japanese viewing gardens, a yoga studio and a game room. A dressmaker/tailor is on premises, and the building is pet-friendly. Peek inside for more photos.

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