Why Boomers Are Spending So Much on Their Homes Even When They Aren't Moving

For many older homeowners, renovating has become a way to make an existing house work for the next 10 or 20 years instead of buying another one.

1. They’re Spending to Stay Put

Houzz found that 44% of renovating homeowners now describe their house as a “forever home,” while 61% expect to stay for at least 11 years after renovating. Moving isn’t necessarily the goal anymore—making the current house work better is.

2. Boomers Still Drive Renovation Activity

Baby Boomers accounted for 54% of homeowners who renovated in 2025, the largest share of any generation. Their median renovation spending reached $22,000, compared with $15,000 for Millennials and $8,500 for Gen Z homeowners.

3. Kitchens Are Still a Big Investment

Older homeowners aren’t just repainting walls. Kitchen renovations remain one of the biggest spending categories, and median kitchen spending among Seniors jumped to $27,500 in 2025. For homeowners planning to stay long-term, a major kitchen upgrade can make more sense than adapting to another house.

4. Accessibility Is Becoming Part of Remodeling

Houzz found that health or accessibility needs were cited in 21% of renovations triggered by life changes. That can mean reworking bathrooms, improving lighting, changing layouts or making everyday spaces easier to use—upgrades that aren’t necessarily about resale value.

5. The House Itself Is Getting Older

Nearly half of U.S. homes are at least 40 years old, according to Houzz. That creates a steady stream of expensive work involving aging kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, electrical systems and other parts of the house—even when the owner has no intention of selling.

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