Vermont’s Housing Crunch
How We Got Here—And How Boomers Can Help Fix It
Because it’s hard to find your dwellness when there’s nowhere to dwell.
Let’s be real: the Vermont housing market is tighter than ski boots on the first run of the season. Whether you’re a Millennial with good credit and no luck, or a Gen Zer wondering if you’ll ever afford anything beyond a yurt in the Northeast Kingdom—yeah, we see you—there’s a growing sense that the system wasn’t built with you in mind.
So how did we get here?
Spoiler alert: it’s not all Boomers’ fault. But they definitely had front-row seats—and primo real estate—when things shifted.
This isn’t about blame. It’s about balance. And maybe—just maybe—it’s about asking a generation that’s done well by the market to help make room for the next one.
Let’s take a closer look…
Boomers Bought Low, Stayed Put, and Got Comfy
Back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, a young couple could buy a three-bedroom colonial in Essex for the price of a Subaru Outback today. (Okay, maybe two Outbacks and a roof rake.) They locked in low mortgage rates, saw steady appreciation, and built equity year after year.
Fast-forward to 2025: the median home price in Chittenden County is now over $525,000, and Burlington’s creeping toward $650,000. For first-time buyers, it feels less like climbing the property ladder and more like scaling Camel’s Hump… with a backpack full of student loans.
Zoning and the “Keep Vermont Vermont” Dilemma
Vermonters love their small-town charm, and Boomers have been some of its fiercest protectors. We respect that. But when “preserving character” turns into “blocking duplexes,” things get tricky.
Much of Vermont is zoned for single-family homes only—which makes it nearly impossible to add new housing near jobs, schools, or downtowns. That’s great if you bought your house in 1984. Not so great if you’re trying to buy one in 2025.
Maybe it’s time we embrace some creative density—think modern carriage houses, tastefully done triplexes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or mixed-use buildings that keep our communities vibrant and accessible.
Inventory Is Frozen—and Millennials Are Tired of Renting
Here’s the thing: a lot of Boomers want to downsize, but there’s nowhere to go. Meanwhile, younger buyers are stuck renting because homes aren’t hitting the market.
We get it—change is hard, and moving is a pain. But if you’ve got more space than you need and you’re open to passing the torch, you could change someone’s life!
Let’s Talk Buyers: People, Not Portfolios
In today’s market, cash investors and private equity funds are snatching up homes before families can find the time to see them. But Vermont isn’t just a place to park capital—it’s a place to raise kids, grow gardens, and argue about where the best creemee is.
If you’re a Boomer thinking about selling, here’s a gentle ask: consider selling to a person, not a portfolio. First-time buyers are hungry for a shot at the dream you once had: home, land, community.
You could make that dream real for them—and still come out just fine on the deal.
A Little Equity Goes a Long Way
No generation asked for this mess, and no one’s getting out of it alone. But Vermont has always been a place where people look out for each other—and where neighborliness isn’t just a bumper sticker.
So let’s keep Vermont a place where real people can live, not just weekend investors.
If you’re thinking of selling, or just curious about your options, talk to someone local. Someone who values your story and the buyer’s future. Someone who knows the market and the mountain back roads .
We Get It
We’re a boutique brokerage based in the Champlain Valley—family-run, design-driven, and rooted in Vermont values. Whether you’re ready to downsize, pass the torch, or find a way into the market, we’re here to help you find your dwellness.
Get your free consultation— no pressure, no private equity, just honest Vermont real estate.
