JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A growing number of Baby Boomers are transferring property directly to family members, bypassing the traditional real estate market, and it’s reshaping housing trends across the country.
New data shows Florida ranks second in the nation for this kind of intergenerational transfer, a shift experts say is both a sign of the times and a contributor to today’s housing affordability challenges.
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According to newly released data from Deeds.com , nearly 1 in 4 property transitions in Florida this year are happening between family members — a 68% increase compared to pre-2020 levels.
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The state is part of a top-five list leading the “quiet handoff” trend, trailing only behind Arizona.
“What we’re seeing is the ‘Great Transfer’ of wealth in real time, but through real estate, not just inheritance accounts,” said property expert Shawn Shepherd with Deeds.com . “Baby boomers own a huge share of the housing market, and they’re now choosing to transfer that wealth directly to family while they’re alive.”
The trend is being driven by three main factors: aging homeowners who want to “give while living,” surging home prices that make buying difficult for younger generations, and affordability gridlock that discourages traditional sales.
Instead of selling to outside buyers, many boomers are choosing to pass down homes to their children or grandchildren, sometimes through early inheritance, living trusts, or rent-free arrangements.
Top 5 States for Family-to-Family Property Transfers in 2025:
- Arizona – 26.7%
- Florida – 24.8%
- Texas – 24.2%
- Missouri – 21.6%
- California – 20.8%
While these off-market transfers offer relief to young adults locked out of homeownership, they’re also shrinking visible inventory, making it harder for traditional buyers and investors to compete in a tightening housing market.
“These family-to-family deals don’t go on Zillow or Redfin. They disappear from the market, which distorts supply and prices,” Shepherd said.
Experts suggest families begin early conversations with legal and financial guidance. Living transfers, co-ownership setups, and trusts are all tools that can support intergenerational stability, but they come with complex implications.
For buyers without access to family property, Shepherd recommends considering second-tier cities, exploring co-buying strategies, or seeking creative financial solutions.
“As the Great Wealth Transfer accelerates, homes, not just money, are becoming the new currency of family support,” he said. “The future of real estate is becoming more private, more personal, and more reliant on family ties than ever before.”