The "Silver Tsunami" Is Still Coming

Every year we hear predictions about the great wealth transfer from baby boomers to the next generation, sometimes called the Silver Tsunami. But here's the truth I see every day in Greenwich and Stamford: it hasn't really hit yet. Boomers are living longer, working longer, and holding onto their homes and their equity longer than anyone expected.

Bottom line: if you're a boomer, or you have aging parents, the time to plan your next move is now, not when a crisis forces the decision.

Why boomers still dominate the market

Nationally, baby boomers made up 42 percent of all buyers and 55 percent of all sellers last year. That tracks with what I'm seeing locally. A lot of our most active sellers and buyers in the $2.5M to $10M range are longtime homeowners who built serious equity over decades, and they're using it to make smart, sometimes surprising moves. Downsizing. Right-sizing. Buying a one-level home so stairs are never a question again. Moving closer to grandkids, or staying put and renovating instead.

The real questions behind every senior move

I recently read about Compass Plus, a national division built specifically to help older adults navigate real estate with more dignity and better guidance. Their founder made a point that stuck with me: most people underprepare, financially and emotionally, for how long their retirement years will actually last.

The questions worth asking early are the same ones I walk clients through constantly:

• Does this home still serve you, or has it quietly become a burden? Too many stairs, too much yard, too far from things you need.

• Do you want to stay in your community, or move closer to family?

• Have you talked to a financial advisor and estate attorney about how home equity fits into the bigger picture?

• Do you have people you trust in your corner, an agent, a move manager, a financial planner, working together instead of in silos?

This isn't just about seniors

Here's the part I want everyone reading this to sit with, no matter your age: planning for this stage of life isn't something you do at 78. It's something you start thinking about at 45. Home equity is one of the most powerful tools you have for funding a comfortable, independent future. The families who plan ahead have far more options than the ones who wait for a health scare or a fall to force the conversation.

How I can help

Whether you're planning your own next move, or you're helping a parent think through theirs, this is exactly the kind of transition I've built my business around. I grew up in Greenwich, I come from a renovation and building background, and I know this market and its housing stock better than almost anyone. More than that, I know how to have these conversations with patience and honesty, because I've had them with my own clients and their families for years.

If you or someone you love is starting to think about what's next, whether that's a smaller home, a single-level property, or simply understanding what your equity could do for you, let's talk. No pressure, just an honest conversation about your options.

Dena Zara Greenwich Streets Team at Compass Luxury guidance. Honest advice. Exceptional results.

The Greenwich Streets Team has been named RealTrends Verified for 2026, placing them among the top 1.5% of real estate professionals nationwide.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the "Silver Tsunami" in real estate?

The term refers to the massive wave of home equity and inventory that's expected to hit the market as baby boomers eventually sell their homes. I think of it less as a single wave and more as a slow tide. Boomers are staying in their homes longer than past generations, working past traditional retirement age, and holding onto equity, which means the predicted flood of listings keeps getting pushed further out.

Is now a good time for seniors to downsize in Greenwich or Stamford?

There's no universal answer, but I always tell clients that the best time to plan is before a health scare or a fall forces the decision. If your home has become more maintenance than it's worth, or if stairs and yard work are starting to feel like a burden rather than a pleasure, it's worth exploring your options while you have the time and clarity to choose well.

What's the difference between downsizing and rightsizing?

Downsizing usually means moving to a smaller home to reduce space, cost, or upkeep. Rightsizing is a bit broader. It means finding the home that actually fits your life now, which sometimes means smaller, but sometimes means a single-level layout, a different location closer to family, or a property that better matches how you actually want to live day to day.

How does home equity factor into retirement planning?

For a lot of longtime Greenwich and Stamford homeowners, their house is one of their largest assets. Talking to a financial advisor and estate attorney about how that equity fits into your broader retirement picture is something I always recommend starting well before you're ready to sell. Waiting until 78 to have that conversation means fewer options than starting at 45 or 55.

Who should be involved in planning a senior move?

The families who navigate this most smoothly usually have a team working together rather than in silos. That typically means a real estate agent who understands the local market and housing stock, a financial planner, an estate attorney, and sometimes a move manager. I coordinate with these professionals regularly so my clients don't have to piece it together alone.

_{Source: Marian McPherson, "Seniors are living longer. Ruth Reffkin wants to help them," Inman, August 14, 2026.}

Last Updated September 2026