Looking forward to the next 20 years of homeownership

chrisbyler
Jul 19
2 min read

Updated: Jul 20

Headlines say America is “getting older,” but what does that mean for King and Snohomish County homeowners between now and 2045? Below is a forward‑looking snapshot with key data points and take‑aways.

1. Our Region’s Aging Curve

Washington’s median age rose from the mid‑30s in 2000 to 38.8 in 2023 Office of Financial Management and is projected to edge into the low‑40s by 2050 Office of Financial Management.
Residents 65 and older will climb from 16 % of the population in 2020 to 23 % by 2050 Office of Financial Management.
The Office of Financial Management projects state population will top 9.8 million in 2050 (up from 7.7 million in 2020) Office of Financial Management.

Why it matters: More households will be thinking about downsizing, aging‑in‑place remodels, or passing property to heirs—but those shifts happen gradually, not overnight.

2. Changes Will Happen Gradually

A Mortgage Bankers Association study estimates aging Boomers will release roughly 250,000 additional homes per year nationally through the early 2030s MBA. Scaled to Washington’s share of U.S. housing, that translates to roughly 15–20 thousand extra listings annually—noticeable, but far from a flood.

3. Downward Price Pressure?

Buildable land is constrained by topography and zoning in both counties, keeping new‑home pipelines tight.
Net migration remains positive, with nearly 2.1 million more residents forecast by 2050 Office of Financial Management.
Result: Expect slower, low‑single‑digit price growth on average—punctuated by normal cycles—rather than a dramatic crash.

4. What Smart Homeowners Can Do Now

Goal (next 5–15 years)	Action Today	Why It Helps
Age‑in‑place comfortably	Retrofit for single‑level living: wide doorways, curbless shower, lever handles	Future‑proofs the home and appeals to the 65‑plus buyer pool
Sell & downsize later	Stay current on big‑ticket maintenance (roof, windows, systems)	“Move‑in‑ready” listings sell fastest in a slower‑growth era
Create multi‑gen flexibility	Explore detached or attached ADUs; HB 1337 (2023) has eased statewide barriers. Check with your municipality or City	Generates rental income now, widens resale appeal later
Build long‑term equity	Consider holding property 3–5 extra years	Even modest 2 % annual growth compounds nicely

5. Opportunities for Buyers & Investors

More mid‑century ramblers and 1970s two‑stories will come online as Boomers list—great bones for creative remodels.
ADU‑ready parcels gain value as statewide rules open doors to “gentle density.” Washington State Legislature
Rental demand stays firm with older renters seeking low‑maintenance living and younger workers arriving for tech, aerospace, and clean‑energy jobs.

6. Long‑Range Perspective

By 2045, light‑rail extensions will knit Everett to Tacoma, heat‑pump adoption will be as common as dishwashers, and EVs will dominate local roads. Through all that, housing in high‑amenity corridors, communities with good schools, future station areas, waterfront‑view neighborhoods) should remain a desirable asset.

Bottom Line

Demographic change will loosen inventory slowly, giving buyers more choice without undercutting the long‑term value of well‑located homes. That affords you time—time to plan renovations, map the perfect downsizing window, or guide the next generation into their first purchase.

Ready to run the numbers on your personal timeline? Call or text 206‑601‑8945 and let’s build a 5‑, 10‑, or 20‑year strategy that fits your goals.

— Chris Byler, Windermere Real Estate | Byler Real Estate#PNWHousing #AgingInPlace #BoomerListings #SeattleRealEstate #LongRangePlanning