WASHINGTON— Home equity held by U.S. homeowners aged 62 and older reached a record $15.34 trillion in the second quarter of 2026, surpassing $15 trillion for the first time, according to a report from the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA) and RiskSpan.
The NRMLA/RiskSpan Reverse Mortgage Market Index rose to 535.64, reflecting continued growth in housing wealth among older Americans.
The increase was driven primarily by rising home values. Senior homeowners’ aggregate home values grew by an estimated $430 billion, or 2.5%, during the quarter. That gain was partially offset by a $30 billion, or 1.2%, increase in mortgage debt held by the same age group.
The index, which has tracked trends in home values and home equity among older homeowners since 2000, provides a measure of their housing wealth and potential borrowing capacity.
“Even as borrowing costs remain elevated, senior homeowners continue to build substantial housing wealth, giving them greater financial flexibility as they navigate retirement,” said Steve Irwin, president of NRMLA.
Irwin said the industry has an opportunity to help older homeowners understand how home equity may be incorporated responsibly into broader financial plans to support long-term financial security.
Home equity can provide older homeowners with a potential source of funds for retirement expenses, although accessing it through borrowing may involve costs and risks that should be considered as part of an individual’s financial circumstances.
