Journal of the Korean Housing Association ISSN:2234-3571(Print) 2234-2257(Online) 한국주거학회논문집

The purpose of this research is to examine generational distinctions of housing investment and household wealth for two different age cohorts - ‘baby-boomers’ and ‘eco-boomers’. In so doing, national survey data of two different periods were analyzed and the primary results are summarized as follows; aggregate assets of both generations have risen, and the rising household debt for baby-boomers was related to loans for living expenses while eco-boomer’s debt was ascribed to home-buying loans. In the midst of economic slowdown, the age cohorts had conservative asset allocation in preference for risk-averting investment like savings. The main purpose of saving and investment was distinctive across the groups? retirement for baby-boomers and home purchase for eco-boomers. Both groups prioritized reduction of household liabilities and also were cautious on investing in real estate. Still home-buying was considered to be an important driver for asset accumulation. While baby-boomers were unwilling to dispose any form of owned real estate, eco-boomers found it challenging to take on a long-term investment like home-buying, especially in economic uncertainties. Rather the young generation would diversify asset allocation with better-returning investment commodities like stocks, bonds and derivatives.